PBS Youngsters is growing its first-ever collection that includes a lead character on the autism spectrum and his neurodiverse buddies.

The animated present referred to as “Carl the Collector” follows Carl, a raccoon with autism who loves to gather issues, and his buddies in Fuzzytown, a spot the place everyone seems to be studying about themselves and people round them.

Carl is described as warm-hearted and energetic, laser-focused and having nice consideration to element, however he struggles with anxiousness in new circumstances and when issues don’t go as anticipated. His buddies embody each neurotypical and neurodiverse characters, PBS Youngsters stated.

“My hope for Carl and his various group of Fuzzytown buddies is that they may encourage neurodiverse and neurotypical children alike to foster a world through which neurodiversity just isn’t solely acknowledged as a profit to society, however is widely known as exemplifying the complete spectrum of what it means to be human,” stated Zachariah OHora, the creator and govt producer of the present, which is geared toward children ages 4 to eight.

Along with inclusion on display, neurodiverse and neurotypical writers, advisors and voice expertise are a part of the manufacturing workforce behind the brand new present.

“‘Carl the Collector’ values inclusion and empathy, whereas modeling relationship-building and social talent growth, wrapped up in humor, coronary heart and unimaginable visible design,” stated Sara DeWitt, senior vice chairman and basic supervisor of PBS Youngsters. “We’re excited for youngsters to get to know Carl and his group of buddies, who consider that the perfect experiences happen once we honor the issues that make every of us distinctive.”

“Carl the Collector” is anticipated to debut on PBS Youngsters in fall 2024.

Learn extra tales like this one. Join Incapacity Scoop’s free electronic mail publication to get the most recent developmental incapacity information despatched straight to your inbox.