16/01/2026
Mattel has announced the launch of the first-ever autistic Barbie doll.
The doll has been designed to reflect the lived experiences of autistic people through thoughtful, inclusive design.
Barbie partnered with the global Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a non-profit run by and for autistic people, to develop the doll’s shape, fashion and accessories, in an effort to create a meaningful connection with the community and accurately reflect autism.
The new Barbie’s features include:
Face and body: Along with a new face sculpt, the Autistic Barbie doll includes 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.
Eye gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side, which aims to reflect how some members of the autistic community may sometimes avoid direct eye contact.
Accessories: Each doll comes with a finger clip fidget spinner that spins, noise-cancelling
headphones and a tablet with symbol-based AAC graphics to help with communication.
Sensory-sensitive features: The doll’s outfit includes a loose-fitting pinstripe A-line dress for less fabric-to-skin contact, along with flat shoes for stability and ease of movement. These design elements are intended to reflect real lived experiences, acknowledging that no two autistic people are the same and that autistic identity is beautifully diverse.
Mattel has announced the launch of the first-ever autistic Barbie doll, designed through collaboration with people with lived experience.
