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

The animated present known as “Carl the Collector” follows Carl, a raccoon with autism who loves to gather issues, and his mates 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 nervousness in new circumstances and when issues don’t go as anticipated. His mates embody each neurotypical and neurodiverse characters, PBS Children mentioned.

“My hope for Carl and his various group of Fuzzytown mates is that they may encourage neurodiverse and neurotypical youngsters alike to foster a world by which neurodiversity shouldn’t be solely acknowledged as a profit to society, however is well known as exemplifying the complete spectrum of what it means to be human,” mentioned Zachariah OHora, the creator and government producer of the present, which is geared toward youngsters ages 4 to eight.

Along with inclusion on display, neurodiverse and neurotypical writers, advisors and voice expertise are a part of the manufacturing group 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 unbelievable visible design,” mentioned Sara DeWitt, senior vice chairman and basic supervisor of PBS Children. “We’re excited for kids to get to know Carl and his group of mates, who imagine that the perfect experiences happen once we honor the issues that make every of us distinctive.”

“Carl the Collector” is predicted to debut on PBS Children in fall 2024.

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