New Delhi, Jan. 12 -- Mattel has introduced its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, expanding its long-running efforts to improve representation and diversity within its iconic Barbie Fashionistas line.

The announcement, made on 12 January 2026, marks a significant moment in toy design and inclusion as the company aims to offer children more ways to see themselves reflected in play.

The new doll was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a disability rights organisation run by and for autistic people. The partnership lasted more than 18 months and involved direct consultation with autistic advocates to ensure the design felt authentic to lived experience.

According to Mattel, the autistic Barbie is inte...