Barbie has unveiled a new doll design representing a person with autism to reflect some of the ways autistic people may experience, process and communicate with the world.
Ellie Middleton, an autistic and ADHD content creator and activist, says the doll reflects a broader shift in how autism is understood. However, she acknowledges that no single toy can fully represent the diversity of autistic experiences.
Mattel says the doll was developed over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a disability rights organisation run by and for autistic people.
