Mattel, Inc. officially introduced its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, created with guidance from the autistic community to reflect real ways autistic people experience and interact with the world. The goal is simple but powerful: help more kids feel seen and represented in Barbie.

Developed over 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit run by and for autistic people, the doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection, known for showcasing diverse skin tones, body types, and disabilities.

“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,” said Jamie Cygielman, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie."

Designed in close collaboration with ASAN, the autistic Barbie includes thoughtful details that reflect experiences many autistic people relate to, including articulated arms for stimming, a slightly averted eye gaze, sensory-supportive accessories like a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a tablet featuring AAC apps, along with sensory-friendly clothing made for comfort and ease.

“As proud members of the autistic community, our ASAN team was thrilled to help create the first-ever autistic Barbie doll. It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is. Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insights and guidance throughout the design process to ensure the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community, including the tools that help us be independent. We’re honored to see this milestone come to life, and we will keep pushing for more representation like this that supports our community in dreaming big and living proud.” — Colin Killick, Executive Director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

To celebrate the launch, Barbie teamed up with autistic advocates and creatives to share their lived experiences and reactions to the doll in a special video available on the Mattel YouTube channel.

“Dolls have always brought me comfort, stability, and joy. I’ve been collecting Barbie dolls since I was four years old, and now this autistic Barbie will be one of my favorites,” said Madison Marilla, Autism Advocate and Creative Entrepreneur. “My good friend said these words to me, let yourself out and don't hold yourself in, and it taught me how to educate people about autism. This autistic Barbie makes me feel truly seen and heard. I hope all the kids I’ve mentored feel the same when they see her, and I hope people who aren’t autistic feel educated and gain a better understanding of autism when they see this doll.”

As part of the launch, Barbie will donate more than 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to pediatric hospitals across the country, reinforcing the power of play to bring comfort, confidence, and real representation to kids who need it most.