Mattel has introduced its first Barbie doll with autism, designed with the active participation of the autistic community to portray, as faithfully as possible, the ways in which autistic people experience, process, and communicate with the world around them
The goal of this doll is to allow a greater number of children to recognize themselves and feel represented in the world of Barbie.
The development of the doll lasted more than 18 months and took place in partnership with the organization Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit disability rights organization led and represented by people with autism themselves.
The new doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas collection, known for its diversity of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and portrayals of various health conditions and disabilities.
“Barbie has always strived to reflect the world children see and the possibilities they imagine, and we are extremely proud to present our first Barbie with autism,” said Jamie Cygielman, Global Director of the doll line at Mattel.
“Designed with the guidance of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, this doll expands the concept of inclusivity and reminds us that every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie,” she added.
In close collaboration with ASAN, the Barbie design team made thoughtful decisions to authentically reflect experiences with which people on the autism spectrum can identify.
The doll has movable elbows and wrists that allow for gestures such as self-regulating hand movements; her gaze is slightly turned to the side; and she comes with accessories such as a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a tablet with augmentative and alternative communication apps that help with daily communication. She wears a comfortable, casual dress designed to reduce sensory overload and flat shoes that allow stability and ease of movement.
“As proud members of the autistic community, it is extremely important to us that young autistic people see authentic and joyful representations of themselves,” said Colin Killick, Executive Director of ASAN.
“This Barbie doll is the result of close collaboration and sharing of experiences throughout the entire design process, to ensure it truly represents and celebrates the autistic community, including tools that help us be more independent,” he added.
To mark the launch, Barbie is partnering with a number of autism community advocates, including mother and daughter Precious and Mikko Mirage, autistic fashion designer and visual artist Aarushi Pratap, and others. A special video capturing their personal experiences with autism and first reactions to the Barbie doll with autism was filmed and is available on Mattel’s YouTube channel.
“Dolls have always given me comfort, stability, and joy. I have been collecting Barbie dolls since I was four years old, and this Barbie with autism makes me feel truly seen and understood,” said Madison Marilla, adding that she hopes the doll will help others better understand autism.
Like previous Barbie dolls representing people with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and blindness, the Barbie with autism was developed under community leadership so that as many children as possible can see themselves in Barbie. The entire Fashionistas collection now includes more than 175 different looks and encourages children to understand different life experiences through play.
Mattel also relies on years of research conducted in cooperation with Cardiff University, which shows that playing with dolls activates parts of the child’s brain associated with empathy and social skills and can contribute to the development of social skills in all children, including those with neurodivergent traits.
To celebrate the launch, Barbie will donate more than 1,000 Barbie dolls with autism to leading pediatric hospitals that provide specialized care to children on the autism spectrum, with the aim of bringing joy, comfort, and a sense of representation, while also emphasizing the power of play in strengthening connection and self-confidence. The Barbie doll with autism is available on the Mattel shop and through leading retail partners.
