Hill says Mikko, who is nonverbal, also uses an AAC device, which helps people who have speech or language problems to communicate. “Autism is such an invisible disability at times, and to see that it’s being represented through Barbie – everybody knows who Barbie is – it felt really good,

Available starting on January 12, 2026, at Mattel Shop and Target is the first-ever autistic Barbie doll. Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls, Jamie Cygielman, says the doll “helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.”

Mattel has launched its first ever autistic Barbie, the latest addition to its diverse Barbie Fashionistas collection.

Barely six months after releasing its Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel introduced its first Barbie with autism. The doll was made in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and is available nationwide today.

Toy maker Mattel unveiled the first-ever autistic Barbie, a new version of the popular doll developed in partnership with autism advocates.

Mattel has released its first Barbie doll with autism, developed over 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.The doll aims to reflect

Created with autism advocacy group input, the doll includes features reflecting sensory needs and communication tools used by some autistic individuals.

Barbie is launching its first autistic doll, developed with the autism community and designed to reflect sensory and communication differences. Why it matters: Toy giant Mattel is doubling down on inclusion as a growth strategy,

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) unveiled today its first-ever autistic Barbie doll created with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways

The doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection, which features diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and various medical conditions and disabilities such as type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome and blindness.