EL SEGUNDO, Kalifornia (PNN) - January 16, 2026 - The first-ever Barbie doll with autism is now available as part of Mattel's inclusive Fashionistas line, which features a range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and various medical conditions and disabilities.
The toymaker partnered with Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a non-profit disability rights organization run by and for people with autism that advocates for the rights of the autism community.
Through design choices, the doll was created to reflect some of the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. The body features elbow and wrist articulation, "enabling stimming, hand flapping, and other hand gestures that some members of the autistic community use to process sensory information or express excitement," per a press release.
The doll's eyes are designed to shift slightly to one side, reflecting how some members of the community may avoid direct eye contact.
Barbie's accessories were also created with intention. She has a pink finger fidget spinner, representing a sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focus. Headphones (in Barbie pink, of course) sit on her head, doubling as both a fashion accessory and a method to reduce sensory overload.
The doll, which retails for $11.87, also holds a pink tablet showing symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps (AAC) on its screen that serves as a tool to help with everyday communication.
Her clothing is also sensory friendly. She wears a loose-fitting purple pinstripe dress that provides less fabric-to-skin contact, as well as flat shoes to promote stability and ease of movement.
