The doll features specific design choices intended to reflect some experiences to which autistic people might relate. Ellie Middleton, an autistic writer who regularly shares her experiences online, described the doll as a “powerful symbol” for young girls in feeling accepted. She said: “To now have an autistic Barbie doll makes me so emotional. It estimates more than one in 100 people are autistic and that there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. “It’s really important that these representations are authentic and based on extensive consultation with autistic people, and we’re pleased Mattel involved the autistic community in the development of this doll.

Source: The Times January 12, 2026 05:40 UTC