Upcoming episode marks first time PBS Kids has represented an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device in a show; airs October 13 as during week of new episodes.
On October 13, Carl, the titular star of , the first PBS Kids series to feature central characters on the autism spectrum, will meet Paolo, a new friend who loves outer space and is a also a collector.Paulo is autistic and largely non-speaking/preverbal, communicating with the help of a special speech tablet, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.
Paolo is voiced by Odin Frost, who is autistic and non-speaking, and uses an AAC device.The upcoming episode, “A New Friend,” marks the first time an AAC is represented in a PBS Kids show, continuing to build on the representation the series showcases – Lotta the fox, another friend of Carl’s, is also autistic, helping viewers to see how autism can represent with different people.Here’s the new episode breakdown: “A New Friend” / “Lotta The Copycat” While visiting his dad, Carl makes a new friend, Paolo, who loves outer space and is a collector, just like him.
/ Nico doesn’t understand why Lotta is copying everything she does.Is Lotta making fun of her? “The Potato Collection”/ “Nico and the Nutty Buddies” Carl thinks he has the best idea to show his school spirit – a spectacular potato display! / When Nico tries to join the Junior Nutty Buddy Nut Lovers’ Club, she realizes that friendship is more important than her passion for nuts.“The Green Piece” / “The FuzzyWorld Book of Records” Dylan is excited to play his new board game with his friends, but things take a turn when the game pieces fall into a nearby floor vent.
/ Carl is determined to get into the FuzzyWorld Book of Records with his Pizza Pyramid house of cards! “A Fuzzytown Halloween” – Half-hour Special! Carl and his pals are excited to trick-or-treat, until Forrest shares a spooky rumor – Mr.Price is a wizard who turns kids into chicken noodle soup! Sheldon is determined to find the truth and end the rumor once and for all.The 2D animated kids’ series features Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who loves collecting things.
The show, designed for children ages 4-8, was created by New York Times bestselling illustrator and author Zachariah OHora (“My Cousin Momo”) follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown.Carl pays extraordinarily close attention to detail and comes up with unique ideas that others might not consider.These traits have helped him amass his extensive collections — from autographs and bottle caps to fake mustaches, pet rocks, sweaters, and virtually everything in between — which can come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends.
Carl’s friends include Sheldon, an empathetic beaver with a knack for connecting people and a soft spot for the underdog.As Carl’s best friend, he is attuned to Carl’s unique logic and ways of looking at the world, sometimes helping him navigate complex social nuances when necessary.Carl’s friend Lotta, a quiet and self-assured fox, is also autistic.
She experiences hypersensitivity to loud sounds, powerful smells, and certain food textures, and has exceptional talents in art and music.Other friends include Nico and Arugula, identical twin bunny sisters whose personalities couldn’t be more different, making their quest to define their individual identities extra complicated.And Forrest, a hyperactive and impulsive squirrel with a tree nut allergy, who is always down for an impromptu adventure.
Produced by Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures, the show showcases and celebrates individual differences and commonalities with relatable stories, characters, and messages.The production team includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors, and voice talent.Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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