Overview
- The doll features articulated wrists and elbows for stimming, a slightly averted gaze, a tablet showing AAC apps, noise-canceling headphones, a finger-clip fidget spinner, and sensory-friendly clothing with flat shoes.
- Sales began Jan. 12 on Mattel Shop and at Target with a suggested price of $11.87, with Walmart set to carry the doll in March.
- Mattel will donate more than 1,000 dolls to pediatric hospitals, including Children’s National Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County.
- ASAN leaders and autistic advocates involved in the project praised the collaboration as a step toward authentic, joyful representation.
- Some online critics contend the design risks narrowing autism to visible props or behaviors, underscoring the challenge of representing a broad spectrum.