The American toy production company launched the Barbie this week in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The doll features pink noise-canceling headphones, a communication tablet, a fidget spinner, sensory-sensitive fashion, and other sensory-related capabilities.

Hill says Mikko, who is nonverbal, also uses an AAC device, which helps people who have speech or language problems to communicate. “Autism is such an invisible disability at times, and to see that it’s being represented through Barbie – everybody knows who Barbie is – it felt really good,

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.

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