Mattel introduces first-ever autistic Barbie Doll in India

Barbie launches its first Autistic Barbie doll in India showcasing inclusivity following the introduction of the Barbie with Type 1 diabetes blind Barbie and the Barbie doll with Down syndromeThis doll reinforces the belief that every child deserves to be seen and the doll popular in India for many decades has come a long way since it first started outDeveloped for more than 18 months in partnership with ASAN a nonprofit disability rights organisation run by and for autistic people that advocates for the rights of the autistic community this doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection which features diverse range of skin tones hair textures body types and various medical conditions and disabilities ldquoBarbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine and wersquore proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing workrdquo said Jamie Cygielman global head of Dolls Mattel ldquoThe doll designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in BarbieIn close collaboration with ASAN the design team made intentional design choices for the autistic Barbie doll to authentically reflect some experiences individuals on the autism spectrum may relate to The features and accessories includeBody The autistic Barbie doll features elbow and wrist articulation enabling stimming hand flapping and other hand gestures that some members of the autistic community use to process sensory information or express excitement Eye gaze The doll is designed with an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side which reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contactAccessories Each doll comes with a pink finger clip fidget spinner noisecancelling headphones and a tabletFidget spinner The doll holds a pink finger clip fidget spinner that actually spins offering a sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focusHeadphones Pink noisecancelling headphones rest on top of the dollrsquos head as a helpful and fashionable accessory that reduces sensory overload by blocking out background noiseTablet A pink tablet showing symbolbased Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps AAC on its screen serves as a tool to help with everyday communicationSensorysensitive fashion The doll wears a loosefitting purple pinstripe Aline dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that provides less fabrictoskin contact Purple shoes complete the outfit with flat soles to promote stability and ease of movementldquoAs proud members of the autistic community our ASAN team was thrilled to help create the firstever autistic Barbie doll It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic joyful representations of themselves and thatrsquos exactly what this doll is Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insights and guidance throughout the design process to ensure the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community including the tools that help us be independent Wersquore honored to see this milestone come to life and we will keep pushing for more representation like this that supports our community in dreaming big and living proudrdquo said Colin Killick executive director Autistic Self Advocacy NetworkAn Indiarelevant voice on inclusive designAs part of the doll launch Barbie is teaming up with advocates for the autistic community including motherdaughter duo Precious and Mikko Mirage autism advocate and creative entrepreneur Madison Marilla and autistic fashion designer and visual artist Aarushi Pratap to celebrate their lived experiences and lifestylesAarushi Pratap whose work bridges neurodiversity and Indian cultural heritage is known for her sensoryfriendly approach to high fashion drawing inspiration from traditional Indian handloom silks plaids and cultural motifs such as Warli folk art Her work has been showcased at New York Fashion Week in 2025 created for the Special Olympics and recognised globally for redefining fashion through a neurodivergent lensReflecting on the launch Aarushi Pratap said ldquoHaving an autistic Barbie means people like me can see ourselves Autism is my superpower because I think differently My brain has different colors and expressing that makes me happy I was diagnosed with autism at two I started drawing at three and since then art has helped me feel calm and confident I became a fashion designer because art helped me communicate when words were hardrdquo said Aarushi Pratap Autistic Fashion Designer and Visual Artist ldquoAll kinds of Barbie movies inspired me seeing all the fabrics colors and details in the movies helped shape the designer I am today This Barbie can help autistic people feel understood We can do amazing things and I want others like me to feel proud and express themselvesrdquoConsistent with the Fashionistas dolls representing individuals with type 1 diabetes Down syndrome and blindness the autistic Barbie doll was named and created with the communityrsquos guidance to allow more children to see themselves in Barbie This doll along with the entire Fashionistas collection boasts over 175 looks can help children better understand the world around them by encouraging doll play outside of a childrsquos own lived experience Itrsquos yet another step in making the Barbie brand a more inclusive reflection of the children who play with itCommitment beyond the dollAs part of the India launch Barbie will contribute a portion of proceeds from the sale of the doll to India Autism Centre supporting autism awareness and inclusion initiatives reinforcing the brandrsquos ongoing commitment to meaningful social impactldquoToys are powerful in shaping a childrsquos sense of self The idea behind introducing an Autistic Barbie doll may appear simple but its meaning runs far deeper It is about representation When children see themselves reflected in everyday objects even through something as familiar as a toy it sends a powerful message that they belong This collaboration helps spark necessary conversations around acceptance and understanding in a way that feels natural and inclusiverdquo says Jaishankar Natarajan director and chief executive officer India Autism CenterThe Autistic Barbie doll will be available in January 2026 across leading retail and ecommerce platforms in India for Rs 799 and is suitable for children aged 3 years and above