'Huge step forward': Mattel has released its first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome

The doll's dress pattern includes butterflies along with yellow and blue colours - symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness.

Mattel released its new Barbie doll with Down syndrome. Source: AAP / Mattel, Inc. /Cover Images

Key Points

• Mattel has released its first ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome.
• The doll is aimed at allowing more children living with Down syndrome to play with dolls who look like them.
• Disability advocates have been hailed the doll's release as a "huge step forward" for social inclusion.

Toy manufacturer Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome, as it seeks to allow more children to see themselves in the popular figure.

The toy was brought to market on Tuesday through work with the United States' National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), to ensure it accurately represents someone with the condition, the company said.

"Barbie plays an important role in a child's early experiences, and we are dedicated to doing our part to counter social stigma through play," Lisa McKnight, Mattel executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls, said.

The doll’s dress pattern features butterflies with yellow and blue colours, which are symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness. Credit: Mattel, Inc./Cover Images/Cover Images

"Our goal is to enable all children to see themselves in Barbie, while also encouraging children to play with dolls who do not look like themselves," she added in a statement.

The new doll has a face and body sculpt aimed at being "more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso," Mattel said.

For example, the face sculpt has a rounder shape, smaller ears and a flat nasal bridge. The eyes are slightly slanted as well in an almond shape.

Meanwhile, the doll's dress pattern includes butterflies along with yellow and blue colours - symbols associated with Down syndrome awareness.

"This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation," NDSS president Kandi Pickard said. "It is a huge step forward for inclusion and a moment that we are celebrating."

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome, which changes how their body and brain develop.

Previously, Mattel rolled out a series of Barbie dolls dedicated to feminists or other inspirational icons.

Barbie has 175 looks, according to Mattel.

The latest doll's release comes as a live-action film about Barbie is expected to hit the screens in July, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.