April is Autism Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring Carl the Collector—the first PBS KIDS series to feature an autistic main character!
Carl’s journey offers a fresh, inclusive perspective in children’s programming, helping young viewers appreciate neurodiversity in a fun and relatable way. Now, educators can access engaging resources from Carl the Collector to create neuro-affirming learning environments where every student can thrive!
Did you know that only 17% of teachers feel well-prepared to teach children with mild to moderate learning disabilities? That’s according to a study by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone!
Carl the Collector was developed with guidance from leading experts like Dr. Stephen Shore, an autistic professor at Adelphi University, and Dr. Rebecca Landa of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Their expertise ensures that the show and its accompanying resources are meaningful, authentic, and educator-friendly.
Dr. Shore sums it up best: “What’s good for neurodivergent people tends to be good for everybody else.” Whether or not you currently teach autistic students, creating a classroom that embraces neurodiversity benefits all learners.
Through Carl the Collector, kids meet relatable characters navigating everyday challenges, learning to appreciate differences, practice kindness, and build friendships. In the Educators Guide, you’ll find easy-to-use teaching tips, engaging activities, and inclusive practices tailored for both early learning and school-based settings.
So, if you’re looking for ways to support all learners while making your classroom more welcoming, this is it!
Check out the resources here: Carl the Collector Educators Guide.
Because when we build classrooms where everyone belongs, everyone benefits. Happy Learning!
