LAKELAND, FL– January 26, 2026 – Southeastern University (SEU) alumna Aarushi Pratap was featured in the launch of Mattel, Inc.’s first-ever autistic Barbie doll. Pratap serves as a Barbie Role Model on the doll’s advocacy team, representing the autistic community through her work as a fashion designer and visual artist. She participates as a spokesperson for press and public-facing opportunities, including media engagements worldwide, sharing her lived experience, and contributing to conversations on authentic autism representation.
Pratap appeared in the official launch video on Mattel’s YouTube channel alongside other autism advocates, including creative entrepreneur Madison Marilla from Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum.”
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Pratap began expressing her thoughts and emotions through art. She designed clothes for a school fashion show, started selling handmade accessories, and was selected as one of nine athlete artists from across the United States to contribute to the design of the logo for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Special Olympics Florida nominated her for the design team. She served as spokesperson for the logo and participated in a live interview with Fox News in New York.
Pratap has competed in Special Olympics events in categories including bocce ball, swimming, cheerleading, basketball, and stand-up paddleboarding. She has designed pieces auctioned at fundraisers to benefit Special Olympics.
Following her diagnosis, Pratap’s parents observed her interest in the arts, where drawing served as a means of communication. At age thirteen, she designed dresses for her first fashion show and received positive feedback. Her parents purchased her first sewing machine, and she taught herself to sew, creating clothing for herself and customers.
Pratap has showcased her work at New York Fashion Week and designed for the Special Olympics. As one of the few autistic fashion designers working professionally at this level, her approach incorporates a neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive perspective.
Pratap stated that autism is her superpower and that it includes talent given by God. She noted that Barbie movies inspired her artistry through their fabrics, colors, and details.
For higher education after high school, Pratap enrolled in Southeastern University’s SEU Link program, an inclusive post-secondary education initiative for young adults with a specific Intellectual Disability Diagnosis, focused on increasing independence and employability. “I came to SEU because I believe it has a wonderful program for students with disabilities to have happier and better lives,” Pratap said.
Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution founded in 1935 and located in Lakeland, Central Florida. The university offers more than 115 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. SEU provides comprehensive online learning and more than 250 partner site programs worldwide. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKELAND
