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1h ago

Mattel Releases First Autistic Barbie With Sensory‑Support Features

Mattel collaborated with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to center lived experience in the doll’s design.

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Barbie carries a functional fidget spinner.
A new doll dubbed "Autistic Barbie," center, is being released. (Mattel)
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Overview

  • The doll is on sale starting Jan. 12 at Mattel Shop and Target for about $11.87, with Walmart availability expected in March.
  • Design details include articulated wrists and elbows for stimming, a slightly averted eye gaze, a fidget spinner, noise‑canceling headphones, and a tablet showing AAC apps.
  • An 18‑month development process with ASAN guided choices intended to reflect common autistic experiences without suggesting a single way autism looks.
  • Mattel is donating more than 1,000 of the new dolls to pediatric hospitals that serve children on the autism spectrum.
  • The release expands the Barbie Fashionistas lineup, which features dolls representing Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, blindness, hearing aids, prosthetics, and vitiligo.