Mattel unveils first autistic Barbie doll

(CBS, KYMA) - Barbie's latest makeover isn't about fashion. It's about understanding.

Toy giant Mattel has unveiled its first autistic Barbie with features like a side-gaze to avoid eye contact and bendable elbows and wrists to help with repetitive movements.

The doll's creator, Ella Middleton, who was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at age 24, says it shows how minor adjustments can make life easier to navigate.

"Having these small changes like ear defenders or headphones to block out the noise or a fidget toy to keep your hands occupied when you need to move a bit more are really tiny things that we can use that make the world a lot more accessible for us," Middleton expressed.

Designers hope autistic children will see themselves in the new Barbie and that other kids will appreciate what's it's like to be on the spectrum.