Mattel has given Barbie a meaningful new look with the release of its first doll designed to represent autism, marking another step in the company's push to reflect real-life experiences through toys.
The new autistic Barbie was developed over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit group led by and for autistic people, Yahoo reported.
Mattel says the goal was not to define autism in one way, but to show some of the ways people on the spectrum may experience and move through the world.
"Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine," said Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's global head of dolls. She added that the company is proud to introduce its first autistic Barbie as part of that mission.
The doll's design includes several thoughtful details shaped by direct input from autism advocates.
Its elbows and wrists are articulated, allowing poses such as hand flapping or other movements that some autistic people use for comfort or expression.
The doll's eyes are slightly angled away, reflecting how some individuals on the spectrum may avoid direct eye contact.
Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, developed in partnership with a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and better media representation of people with autism. https://t.co/kMxZA8v8vQ pic.twitter.com/qXHWreE0vD
— ABC News (@ABC) January 12, 2026
Autistic Barbie with Sensory-Friendly Accessories
Accessories also play a key role. The autistic Barbie comes with a pink finger-clip fidget spinner that actually spins, offering a calming sensory activity.
She also includes pink noise-canceling headphones, designed to represent tools used to reduce sensory overload.
According to FoxBusiness, a pink tablet features symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, apps, which are often used to support communication.
Clothing choices were made with comfort in mind. The doll wears a loose-fitting purple pinstripe A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt, designed to limit fabric-to-skin contact. Flat purple shoes promote stability and ease of movement.
"Autism doesn't look any one way," said Noor Pervez, ASAN's community engagement manager who worked closely on the project. "But we can try and show some of the ways that autism expresses itself."
The doll is priced at $11.87 and joins Mattel's growing lineup of inclusive Barbie dolls. In recent years, the company has released Barbies representing blindness, Down syndrome, and Type 1 diabetes, all aimed at helping more children see themselves in their toys.
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