‘Carl the Collector’ Introduces Non-Speaking Autistic Character with AAC Device

On October 13, the circle of diverse and empathetic animal friends will expand on Carl the Collector, the first PBS KIDS series to feature a central character on the autism spectrum. The upcoming episode “A New Friend” will introduce Paulo, who loves outer space and is a collector like Carl. Paulo is also autistic, and is mostly non-speaking/preverbal, communicating with a special speech tablet known as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.

The episode will mark the first time an AAC device has been shown in a PBS KIDS series, and the character of Paolo is voiced by Odin Frost, who is autistic, non-speaking and uses an AAC device. In addition to Carl and new friend Paulo, the show’s cuddly young animal crew also includes Lotta the fox, who is also autistic, helping viewers see how the autism spectrum represents through different people.

“A New Friend” kicks off a week of new Carl the Collector episodes, including a half-hour Halloween special in which Carl is excited to trick-or-treat with his friends in Fuzzytown so he can add more candy wrappers to his collection:

“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.

Carl the Collector is created by New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Zachariah OHora (My Cousin Momo) and produced by Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures. The 2D animated show’s production team includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors and voice talent.