Mattel Debus Hot Wheels Car That Moves Myriad Ways For Autism Acceptance Month

Image courtesy of Mattel

Hot Wheels is making a pit stop for imaginative exploration with the Flippin’ Fast die-cast car, a toy that’s encouraging kids ages three and up to play their own way, all in time to gear up for Autism Acceptance Month this April.

Ditching the rulebook of traditional Hot Wheels cars designed for specific tracks, the Flippin’ Fast encourages exploration. Designed with the flexibility of a fidget spinner, this vehicle allows for spinning, rolling it forwards, backwards, or even upside down. It was developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), thus catering to a wider range of play styles, particularly benefiting those who thrive better with sensory stimulation and open-ended activities.

Image courtesy of Mattel

Image courtesy of Mattel

“It’s exciting that Mattel has taken the needs of autistic kids into consideration with this new toy. Too often, autistic children and their families are told that they are ‘playing wrong,’ but allowing kids to play in the way they choose can promote self-regulation and self-expression,” expresses Zoe Gross, director of advocacy at the ASAN. “This car can be played with in any configuration, and whether kids prefer to play pretend with it or just spin the wheels, the design emphasizes that there’s no wrong way to play.”

Image courtesy of Mattel

“There is truly no ‘wrong’ way to play with it,” chimes in Ted Wu, vice president and global head of design for vehicles at Mattel. “Flip it, spin it, or roll it forward, backward and even upside down—there are endless ways for everyone to play.”

Image courtesy of Mattel

Image courtesy of Mattel

Beyond inclusivity and its ability to soothe, the toy is also about fostering pure enjoyment. Hot Wheels is all about speed, thrill, and the joy of racing, but with this latest addition, it’s inviting kids to explore the far-reaching possibilities of motion.

Adapting alongside fans, this new die-cast car ensures every child can find their own way to zoom, twist, and turn the toy in an endless circuit of imagination. The toy, priced at US$1.25, is available at retailers across the nation.

Image courtesy of Mattel

Image courtesy of Mattel

Image courtesy of Mattel

[via Mattel, images courtesy]