ORLANDO, June 10, 2025 — WUCF, Central Florida's PBS station, will premiere a new episode of its award-winning local series A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity on Saturday, June 14, at 6 p.m.—celebrating PBS KIDS' first lead character on the autism spectrum.
Titled "Celebrating Carl the Collector," the episode spotlights the creative team behind the groundbreaking animated PBS KIDS' series Carl the Collector, which follows a warm-hearted raccoon with autism who has a passion for collecting and connecting with friends.
More than a charming kids' show, Carl the Collector is changing how children's media portrays neurodiversity. Through this lens, the episode explores how inclusive storytelling is helping all kids feel seen and valued.
Viewers will meet show creator and acclaimed picture book author Zachariah OHora and director Lisa Whittick, who draw from personal experiences and a deep commitment to representation. With input from neurodiverse writers, actors and autism experts, the show offers an authentic, relatable view of neurodivergent life on screen and behind the scenes.
"Carl's story isn't just about autism—it's about empathy, friendship and the beauty of seeing the world a little differently," said Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF. "We're proud that WUCF provides a platform for stories that lift and empower everyone in our community. This episode of A World of Difference shows how thoughtful storytelling fosters belonging—and why public media is so essential. Our mission is simple: we change lives and shows like this are how we do it."
The episode also features reactions from students at the Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center in Lake County, offering candid, heartfelt reviews of Carl and his adventures. National experts on neurodiversity add their perspectives on the long-term impact of positive representation in media for neurodivergent learners.
Produced by Beacon College in Leesburg, the first accredited college in the nation for neurodivergent students, A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity is now in its fifth season.
The series examines neurodiversity issues related to learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorders and learning differences through compelling storytelling, conversations with experts and interviews with successful or famous individuals with learning differences.
Episodes air on WUCF and are available to stream free nationwide on the PBS app. To learn more and watch previous seasons, visit www.AWODTV.org.
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
WUCF Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
christine@sondersays.com
407.718.0199