2023 might have been Barbie's moment, when the year felt drenched in fuchsia and optimism was coursing through our veins. But the doll, which has been around since 1959, proves that the brand is forever evolving—and becoming ever more inclusive. Case in point: Mattel, the company behind the playtime icon, recently launched a Barbie with autism.
Barbie's New Doll Helps Kids with Autism Feel Seen and Represented
She's a Barbie girl!
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Published Jan 15, 2026
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As part of the Fashionistas collection, this new addition aims to represent the autistic community and the ways that they communicate with others, experience the world and process their ideas. Mattel spent 18 months developing the doll in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), which is "a non-profit disability rights organization run by and for autistic people that aims to empower the autistic community."
Activists and advocates in the community were also consulted and involved in the campaign.
“Having an autistic Barbie means people like me can see ourselves," says Aarushi Pratap, Autistic Fashion Designer and Visual Artist, "Autism is my superpower because I think differently. This Barbie can help autistic people feel understood. We can do amazing things, and I want others like me to feel proud and express themselves.”
This Barbie has several distinct features, including "articulation at the elbows and wrists, allowing for stimming, hand flapping and other hand gestures, which some members of the autistic community use as a way to process sensory information or to share excitement," Mattel shared. Her gaze is also shifted to reflect how some people with autism avoid eye contact.
Of course, it's not Barbie without killer accessories, and this time around, she's equipped with a fidget spinner, headphones and tablet, with a screen that displays Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps (AAC).
Mattel
The new doll is now available at Target, Amazon and Walmart, though is selling out quickly. Of the doll's creation, Precious Mirage, Autism Advocate, Content Creator and parent shared, "Autism is often invisible and seeing a doll that truly represents parts of the spectrum makes us feel understood. When other families see this Barbie, I hope it helps bridge the gap. I hope they feel included in the conversation and in the spaces where neurotypical individuals already belong. Because we belong here too.”
