In a world where children learn about themselves and others through play, representation isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. That’s why the recent launch of Barbie’s first autistic doll has captured so much attention and admiration. Mattel, the company behind Barbie, has been steadily expanding its Fashionistas line to reflect a broader spectrum of human experiences, and this latest addition marks another powerful step forward. According to multiple reports, including Mattel’s own announcement, the autistic Barbie was developed over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). The goal was to create a doll that…