Barely six months after releasing its Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel introduced its first Barbie with autism. The doll was made in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and is available nationwide today.

Autism advocacy groups are reacting after Mattel announced a new Barbie doll, the first with autism, on Sunday.

The new doll carries a pink fidget spinner that actually spins, wears pink noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload and holds a pink tablet that represents her augmentative and alternative communication,

A wider public conversation has arisen over whether it's time for a shift in how we think about categories of autism, amid rising interest in the disorder across the country.

Mattel just released its first autistic Barbie doll. The new doll was developed in collaboration with the Autism Self Advocacy Network, a grassroots organization that focuses on disability rights and is run for and by autistic people.

Admittedly, the spectrum is wide, and those with extreme forms of autism and their caregivers often contend with incredibly difficult challenges daily. Still, even in severe cases, those with ASD don’t fit under one umbrella.

The new Barbie also has eyes that look slightly to the side, a detail meant to reflect how some people with autism avoid direct eye contact. Her purple dress is loose and soft, recognizing that certain fabrics can be uncomfortable for people with sensory sensitivities.

Genetic and clinical data suggest dietary factors may influence autism risk via immune pathways, highlighting the need for further research in this area.