[Regnum] American company Mattel has released the first Barbie doll with autism spectrum disorder, according to the toymaker's website.
I think that’s market-fractioning to the point of absurd, but I never played with the things and don’t understand the appeal. Trailing daughter #1, who along with her sister played with the dozen or so Barbies my darling mother-in-law and sister-in-law gifted them at that stage, and who has high-functioning Asperger’s, loves the idea of having been able at that age to add another to her collection that’s like her. So I guess there is a market."Mattel today unveiled the first Barbie doll with autism. The set includes a spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet," Mattel said in a statement.
According to the developers, the doll's averted gaze reflects the characteristic of people with autism, who often avoid eye contact. Bendable elbows and wrists allow for the repetitive hand movements common in autistic individuals. Barbie also features a fidget spinner on her finger, which helps reduce stress.
The doll was created with the participation of the autistic community and is intended to illustrate some of the peculiarities of how people with autism perceive the world around them, according to the company's website.
In July 2025, Mattel unveiled a doll with type 1 diabetes. Created in collaboration with the international nonprofit Breakthrough T1D, she is equipped with a continuous glucose monitor on her arm, secured with a heart-shaped patch. The doll also features an insulin pump, which automatically delivers insulin as needed.