South Africa, Jan. 13 -- Developed for more than 18 months in partnership with ASAN, a non-profit 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 the most diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and various medical conditions and disabilities.

"The 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 Barbie," said Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel.

Designed with the Autistic community

In close collaboration with ASAN, the Barbie design ...