Overview
- Mattel released the Fashionista doll on Monday as its first Barbie explicitly depicting autism.
- Features include averted gaze, fully articulated wrists and elbows to enable hand-flapping, and a loose seam-free striped dress with flat shoes.
- Accessories include a pink fidget spinner, a tablet showing communication aids, and over-ear headphones intended to blunt loud noise.
- The company reported Barbie revenue declines in Q2 and Q3 2025 and says it hopes inclusive launches, after strong demand for the Type-1 diabetes and Down syndrome dolls, will reenergize sales.
- Early online reactions from some autistic individuals praised the focus on needs and tools, with WHO estimating about 1 in 100 children are autistic.