Barbie Expands Its World With New Dolls Representing People With Autism

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Mattel’s Barbie Fashionista line aims to celebrate what makes everyone unique with diverse styles and personalities. Continuing this commitment, they’ve recently introduced a new line of Barbie Fashionista dolls designed to represent people with autism.

A few years after introducing the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome, the Fashionista line now includes dolls designed to represent how autistic people experience and interact with the world. Created with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), these dolls have unique features – including new facial and body structures, accessories, and clothing made from comfortable, sensory-friendly materials.

As a critic, I was really moved by the creation of the first autistic Barbie doll, and even more so by the involvement of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). ASAN’s Executive Director, Colin Killick, shared that their team was thrilled to be part of this project, and rightfully so. It’s incredibly important for autistic children to see themselves represented positively, and this doll genuinely achieves that. What really impressed me was the collaborative approach – ASAN wasn’t just a consultant, they actively guided the design to ensure authenticity and celebrate the tools that support independence within the autistic community. This isn’t just a milestone for the toy industry, it’s a powerful step towards more inclusive representation, and I hope it inspires further efforts to help autistic individuals dream big and live proudly.

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The new Barbie dolls are designed with features commonly seen in people with autism. For example, they have joints in their elbows and wrists so they can move their hands in ways some autistic people do to manage their senses or show excitement. The dolls’ faces are also sculpted to look slightly away, reflecting the tendency some autistic individuals have to avoid direct eye contact. Accessories like headphones, tablets, and fidget spinners are included to represent tools autistic people use to cope with overwhelming sensory input and aid communication.

Beyond just creating the ASAN doll, Mattel is collaborating with autism advocates to promote the line and celebrate the experiences of people in the autistic community. This includes working with Mikko Mirage Hill and her daughter, Precious Hill, creators of the YouTube channel The Gentle Life, as well as Madison Marilla, a star from Season 3 of Love on the Spectrum, and Aarushi Pratap, a fashion designer who is autistic.

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2026-01-13 00:40