Barbie introduces first autistic doll with sensory-sensitive features.

Mattel's Fashionistas line adds an autistic Barbie designed with flexible joints for stimming, sensory-friendly clothing and accessories including noise-canceling headphones and a tablet with communication apps; the doll debuts Jan. 12 at Mattel Shop and Target with a Walmart rollout in March.

Barbie is adding its first doll explicitly designed to represent autistic experience to the Fashionistas line. Mattel said the doll was developed for more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The design includes flexible elbow and hand joints to allow stimming, a flowy dress made to reduce fabric-to-skin contact, and accessories that reflect items some autistic people use. The launch follows broader public attention to autism and increased representation of autistic people in media. Key details: - The doll was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and took more than 18 months to create. - Design features include flexible elbow and hand joints for stimming, an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side, a loose-fitting pinstripe A-line dress, and stable flat shoes. - Accessories packaged with the doll are a pink finger clip fidget spinner, pink noise-canceling headphones, and a pink tablet showing symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps. - Mattel said the doll will be available beginning Jan. 12 at Mattel Shop and Target for a suggested retail price of $11.87, with a wider rollout to Walmart stores in March. - Mattel named collaborators from the autism community who are associated with the launch, including figures from media and design. Summary: The addition expands Barbie's inclusive Fashionistas line by offering a doll that incorporates sensory-sensitive and stimming-friendly design choices intended to reflect some autistic experiences. The product launch is scheduled in stages, beginning Jan. 12 online and at Target, with a national Walmart rollout planned for March.