Autistic Barbie Is a Step Forward for Disability Representation

Autistic Barbie Is a Step Forward for Disability Representation

Not everyone is happy with the new doll, which has a fidget spinner, headphones, and an AAC device, but autistic people and advocates have reason to cheer.

Mattel adds an autistic Barbie to doll line devoted to showcasing diversity and inclusion

NEW YORK — Mattel Inc. introduced an autistic Barbie on Monday, Jan. 12, as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with Down syndrome, a blind Barbie, a Barbie and…

Representation matters, says Autism SA amid Barbie debate

Representation matters, says Autism SA amid Barbie debate bombeleni_temp Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:05 JOHANNESBURG - Social media has been abuzz after media personality Nandi Madida unveiled an autistic Barbie alongside her six-year-old daughter.The doll forms part of Barbie’s broader “Fashionistas” inclusion range and was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).At face value, the doll appears to have no distin…