Barbie launches first autistic doll.
Written by laserteam on January 12, 2026
(USA Today) – Barbie is launching its first autistic doll in an effort to represent how individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience the world around them, USA TODAY can exclusively reveal.
The doll, which is part of Barbie’s Fashionistas line, includes intentional design choices like flexible elbow and hand joints for stimming, which refers to repetitive body movement behavior some people with autism engage in to process sensory information.
The Barbie’s accessories also reflect those that some autistic people sport, like noise-canceling headphones, loose-fitting clothing and a tablet with Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps.
Mattel said the doll has been in development for more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit disability rights organization that aims to empower the autistic community.
The Barbie will be available beginning Jan. 12 at Mattel Shop and Target for a suggested retail price of $11.87. It will later rollout to Walmart stores nationwide in March.
