Nandi Madida launches first autistic Barbie with daughter

Mattel has launched its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, created with guidance from the autistic community to reflect common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate with the world around them.

Barbie has partnered with South African actress, singer, autism advocate, and founder of Africa’s leading parenting and family podcast, "The Motherhood Network", Nandi Madida, alongside her six-year-old daughter, Nefertiti Madida.

Nandi has previously spoken openly about her journey in raising a neurodivergent child. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared how proud she was to see Nefertiti being part of the historic launch.

She wrote: “So emotional and proud seeing my daughter, Nefertiti Madida, be part of the launch of the first-ever autistic Barbie doll @barbie. A powerful milestone in inclusive representation and a moment I will hold forever.”

In the press announcement, Nandi, who is the Creative Councillor at the Gates Foundation, reflected on Barbie’s evolving role. 

She noted that: “This autistic Barbie is deeply meaningful because it reflects children who are so often excluded. For autistic children, seeing themselves in a doll like this affirms that they are seen, valued, and understood exactly as they are.”

Nandi added that for non-autistic children, the autistic Barbie serves as a gentle yet powerful tool for learning empathy, curiosity, and respect.

She added: “Play is one of the earliest ways children make sense of the world. When that world includes neurodiversity, it helps build a future that is more compassionate, informed, and inclusive for everyone.”

Nandi shares two children, Shaka and Nefertiti, with Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Zakes Bantwini. Last year, their son Shaka celebrated his ninth birthday with his first solo art exhibition.