PBS Kids has long been a trailblazer for making children’s television and online content inclusive of people with disabilities.
From Julia on “Sesame Street” to Macks on “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” to AJ on “Hero Elementary,” the media company has made a point of including characters with disabilities in its programming, and depicting disabled characters in positive, not stereotypical ways.
In November, the media company announced plans to debut “Carl the Collector” its first show to feature a leading character who lives with autism.
Created by New York Times best-selling illustrator and author Zachariah OHora, “Carl the Collector” chronicles the experiences of Carl–a raccoon with a passion for collecting things–and his neurodiverse and neurotypical group of friends. The show is recommended for children ages 4-8.
In a press release, Sarah Dewitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS Kids, said the series, “values inclusion and empathy, while modeling relationship building and social skills development, wrapped up in humor, heart, and incredible visual design… We’re excited for children to get to know Carl and his group of friends, who believe that the best experiences occur when we honor the things that make each of us unique.”
In order to ensure accurate portrayals of its neurodiverse characters, PBS Kids consulted with an advisory team that includes psychologist Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D., educator Deborah Farmer Kris, MA, and Professor Dr. Stephen Shore, who has autism.
Dr. Shore told PBS Kids he was “amazed at the level of detail and effort the team expends to assure that Carl [and another character called Lotta] are authentic to the autistic experience. In addition to being an interesting series, ‘Carl the Collector’ will become a great tool for both autistic and non-autistic people to gain insight on autism. Although designed for young kids, I plan on using relevant excerpts to supplement my university teaching and presentations around the world.”
In addition to receiving advice from Dr. Shore, the show will also include the contributions of neurodiverse writers, and voice actors.
Said advisor Dr. Oades-Sesi: “It’s about time for a children’s show like ‘Carl the Collector,’ which embraces the diversity of children’s experiences, and showcases an inclusive and relatable world. The show doesn’t shy away from having its main characters experience common mental health, challenges, such as anxiety, fear, sadness, and the need for acceptance and belonging. Carl and his Fuzzytown friends take viewers on fun and humorous adventures that will help them understand and empathize with the characters, and ultimately extend that understanding and compassion for others.”
Illustration via Fuzzytown Productions
