Mattel releases first Barbie with Down syndrome to 'allow even more children to see themselves'

Toy manufacturer Mattel, Inc. released its first Barbie doll with Down syndrome,

The new doll was "created to allow even more children to see themselves in Barbie, as well as have Barbie reflect the world around them," Mattel said in an announcement Tuesday.

The company also said the doll has a "new face and body sculpt to be more illustrative of women with Down syndrome, including a shorter frame and a longer torso," and the Barbie's clothing is yellow and blue and features butterflies, which are associated with Down syndrome awareness. The doll also has pink ankle foot orthotics, as some children with Down syndrome use these types of orthotics to support their legs.

Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the new Barbie. 

"It was an honor working with Barbie on the Barbie doll with Down syndrome," the society's president and CEO Kandi Pickard said. "This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them. This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation."

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.