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.

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.

Alongside the announcement, Mattel partnered with various women and girls on the autism spectrum to help introduce the doll and open up about life with autism, including Precious Hill, a 32-year-old mother from Las Vegas who discovered she was autistic during her 5-year-old daughter Mikko’s diagnostic journey.

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,

ASD affects 1 in 44 children in the US. Here's what you need to know to best support the community and create awareness Nasha is a Managing Editor for CNET, overseeing our sleep and wellness verticals. She is a nutrition, mental health, fitness and sleep ...

Over the years, scientific researches have validated the healing benefits of many psychopharmacotherapeutic plant-based drugs to ameliorate psychiatric disorders. In contrast, the use of chemical procedures to isolate and purify specific compounds from ...

Genetic and clinical data suggest dietary factors may influence autism risk via immune pathways, highlighting the need for further research in this area.