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What is the story about?
Toymaker Mattel has introduced its first-ever autistic Barbie doll in India. Over the years, Barbie has been portrayed as a doctor, astronaut or fashion designer, but now the company has launched a doll that represents autism.
The first autistic doll was released in India in January 2026. Barbie has already included dolls representing children with different conditions and abilities, such as Type 1 Diabetes, visual impairment, and Down Syndrome.
Mattel spent 18 months creating this Barbie, working closely with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a group run by autistic people. The doll was designed with real input from the autistic community.
Features of autistic Barbie doll
The doll has a sensory-friendly design and is made to wear a loose, flowy purple A-line or pinstripe dress and comfortable flat shoes.
It features realistic autism traits, such as bendable elbows and wrists for stimming and a soft averted gaze.
It also includes sensory and communication accessories, such as a pink fidget spinner, pink noise-cancelling headphones, and a pink tablet representing an AAC device, which helps children who are non-verbal or have speech difficulties communicate.
The doll is included in Barbie's Fashionistas line, which features diverse skin tones, hair types, body types, and health conditions, including Type 1 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, and blindness.
The idea behind the autistic Barbie doll is to make toys more inclusive and representative of all children.
Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's Global Head of Dolls, said, "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work."
Price of autistic Barbie doll
The autistic Barbie doll is available on retail and e-commerce platforms in India at ₹ 799, and is designed for children aged three years and above.
The first autistic doll was released in India in January 2026. Barbie has already included dolls representing children with different conditions and abilities, such as Type 1 Diabetes, visual impairment, and Down Syndrome.
Mattel spent 18 months creating this Barbie, working closely with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a group run by autistic people. The doll was designed with real input from the autistic community.
Features of autistic Barbie doll
The doll has a sensory-friendly design and is made to wear a loose, flowy purple A-line or pinstripe dress and comfortable flat shoes.
It features realistic autism traits, such as bendable elbows and wrists for stimming and a soft averted gaze.
It also includes sensory and communication accessories, such as a pink fidget spinner, pink noise-cancelling headphones, and a pink tablet representing an AAC device, which helps children who are non-verbal or have speech difficulties communicate.
The doll is included in Barbie's Fashionistas line, which features diverse skin tones, hair types, body types, and health conditions, including Type 1 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, and blindness.
The idea behind the autistic Barbie doll is to make toys more inclusive and representative of all children.
Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's Global Head of Dolls, said, "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work."
Price of autistic Barbie doll
The autistic Barbie doll is available on retail and e-commerce platforms in India at ₹ 799, and is designed for children aged three years and above.
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