Autistic Barbie joins Fashionistas line of diverse dolls.

Mattel added a Barbie designed to represent autism spectrum disorder to its Fashionistas collection, with flexible joints, sensory-friendly fabric and accessories such as noise-canceling headphones and a tablet showing symbol-based AAC apps. The doll was developed with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and joins other inclusive Fashionistas dolls representing Down syndrome, blindness, Type 1 diabetes and limb differences.

Mattel has added a Barbie intended to represent autism spectrum disorder to its Fashionistas collection. The company says the doll includes design choices aimed at sensory needs, such as flexible joints and a sensory-sensitive dress fabric, and comes with accessories like a tablet with symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps. Mattel reported the figure was developed over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The Fashionistas line has included dolls representing a range of differences for several years. Key details: - The autistic Barbie launched on Jan. 12 and was reported as available at Mattel Shop and Target, with a Walmart rollout planned for March. The article listed a suggested retail price at launch. - Design features include flexible elbow and hand joints intended to reflect stimming, a slightly shifted eye gaze described by Mattel, loose-fitting clothing and sensory-sensitive fabric. - Each doll is reported to include accessories such as a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, pink noise-canceling headphones and a pink tablet showing symbol-based AAC apps. - Mattel said the doll was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network over more than 18 months. - The Fashionistas line also includes dolls developed with partners to represent Down syndrome (including a Black doll with Down syndrome), a blind doll created with the American Foundation for the Blind, a Barbie with Type 1 diabetes developed with Breakthrough T1D, and earlier dolls with limb differences such as a wheelchair and prosthetic leg. Summary: The new autistic Barbie joins a broader trend within the Fashionistas collection toward dolls that reflect varied physical and developmental differences. Availability details include online sales at Mattel Shop and Target now and a planned Walmart rollout in March; public responses reported to the release have included both praise for representation and some criticism.