TAMPA, FLA. (WSVN) – Two Tampa Bay women who grew up loving Barbies are helping to create a whole new generation of the iconic doll that celebrates inclusivity.<\/p>\n
Madison Marilla and Aarushi Pratap share more than creativity. They\u2019re using their voices to change how autism is seen<\/p>\n
\u201cI would describe myself as outgoing,\u201d said Marilla.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am an artist and fashion designer,\u201d said Pratap.<\/p>\n
They see autism not as a limitation, but as part of who they are.<\/p>\n
\u201cAutism is a journey, not a disorder,\u201d said Marilla.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes me super power and proud,\u201d said Pratap.<\/p>\n
Now, both women share something else: They\u2019re both real-life inspiration for the new Barbie with autism released this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cDolls have been my comfort. They help keep me stable,\u201d said Marilla.<\/p>\n
Marilla and Pratap were featured in a promotional video from Mattel, helping announce the launch of the company\u2019s latest inclusive doll.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was my dream come true,\u201d said Pratap.<\/p>\n
For both women, this moment comes full circle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve collected Disney Barbies since I was 4 years old, and little did I realize that there\u2019d be an autistic Barbie coming out when I would be an adult,\u201d said Marilla.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love styling the Barbie dolls\u2019 hair,\u201d said Pratap.<\/p>\n
Pratap still keeps some of her childhood Barbies, now displayed in her art studio.<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched the Barbie movies when I get back from the school,\u201d she said. \u201cMany times, I was inspired by \u2013 I draw the ballgown dresses and flamboyant dresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those designs were among Pratap\u2019s very first, when she was still nonverbal.<\/p>\n
Pratap\u2019s art became her voice, and it helped her grow into an award-winning fashion designer.<\/p>\n
\u201cArt can help me to bring out my voice,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
As for Marilla, she was on the Netflix show \u201cLove on the Spectrum,\u201d where she met her husband, Tyler. Before that, she was a teacher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese girls that I taught and girls that I mentored, they would be happy to see an autistic Barbie,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The new Barbies are set apart from the way they move, to accessories like noise-canceling headphones, loose-fitting clothing and a communication tablet.<\/p>\n
Heather Agazzi, a pediatric psychiatry expert at USF Health, said representation like this matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think seeing neurodiversity in toys can help dispel stereotypes and show children that neurodiverse people are just as capable, just as valuable and deserving of respect as anyone else,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the message Marilla and Pratap hope children see when they pick up this doll.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s most important to feel loved and acceptance and proud,\u201d said Pratap.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of. It\u2019s something to be proud of,\u201d said Marilla.<\/p>\n
This model is part of Mattel\u2019s ongoing effort to make toys more inclusive and reflect children of all abilities.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n
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