Barbie is launching its first autistic doll in an effort to represent how individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience the world around them, USA TODAY can exclusively reveal.

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.

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.

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,

The ASD market holds significant opportunities due to unmet needs for targeted treatments, given no approved therapies for core symptoms exist. With three late-stage developments and the expected entry of five new products,