For neurodivergent people and caregivers raising neurodivergent children, watching the first few episodes of the new PBS Kids television show Carl the Collector may feel revelatory. The series, created by popular children’s author and illustrator Zachariah OHora, centers around a young autistic raccoon named Carl and his neurodiverse group of friends. Carl’s daily dilemmas are typical childhood fare: losing treasured belongings, disagreements with friends, and learning new words and concepts. Yet those with experience in neurodivergence can recognize what makes the show’s approach to Carl’s stories so different from others. He has a distinctive way of thinking and approaching problems, he’s laser-focused, and he prefers logical forethought.
Between Carl and his neurodiverse friends, neurodivergent viewers can see themselves represented in many ways: stimming, speech differences, sensory hypersensitivity, and anxiety when routine or order is disrupted. Yet none of these things are presented to the viewer as being abnormal or, often, even worthy of mention. They are simply the things that make Carl and his friends who they are: lovable, unique, and complete.
Unfortunately, this sort of representation has been lacking in television media, and the United States in particular. While SkyKids in the UK have had Pablo and Ready Eddie Go! — children’s shows that center on neurodivergent characters — for a few years now, most characters that comprise neurodivergent representation in US kid’s shows are supporting or guest characters with limited screen time and even less authentic representation.
Thankfully, there is one area of children’s media in which neurodiverse representation is thriving, and that is children’s literature. So once you and your family have watched through all twenty-eight episodes of Carl the Collector, here are a few more recommendations for neurodivergent little ones who want to see themselves represented.
Picture Books
Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity by Louise Gooding, Illustrated by Ruth Burrows
An easy informational guide that explores all aspects of neurodivergence, from the biological mechanics of brain function to historical neurodivergent figures to understanding stimming to what someone can do when they are feeling overwhelmed. Ages 7-9.
A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond, Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons, this gorgeous and lyrical book explores the rich inner dialogue of a nonverbal child who uses a tablet to communicate, affirming and celebrating alternate means of communication as well as assistive technology. Ages 4+.
Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness
Excitement for the first day of school quickly dwindles when the outgoing Bitsy Bat is stymied by being told that she is doing things the “wrong” way, creating an important metaphor for accessibility and encouraging kids to advocate — or find help advocating — for their needs the way Bitsy does. Ages 5-8.
My Brain Is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful, Illustrated by Geeta Ladi
A lovely celebration of the unique way that neurodivergent brains process sensory information, this title focuses on the limitless capability of sensory-seeking young minds and encourages them to embrace what makes them unique. Ages 5-9.
I Am a Masterpiece!: An Empowering Story About Inclusivity and Growing Up with Down Syndrome by Mia Armstrong, Illustrated by Alexandra Thompson
Activist and actor Armstrong offers a personal perspective in this affirming book, in which she refuses to be anything other than who she is. “Don’t whisper. Don’t look away. Do say hello,” she advises the neurotypical on an early page, a confident voice that will affirm and encourage children who face similar situations. Ages 4-8.
Middle-Grade Books
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Upon learning that her small Scottish town used to burn “witches,” autistic girl Addie is haunted by the idea that women were persecuted and killed for the “sin” of being different — different like her. Filled with anger at the injustice paid to those murdered, she organizes a campaign to set the history books right. Ages 10+.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, Illustrated by Iman Geddy
This moving graphic novel follows brothers Omar and Hassan through their days living in a refugee camp in Kenya. The pair are the only family either has left, so when Omar is offered a chance to go to school, he must decide whether the opportunity to possibly improve his and the nonverbal Hassan’s lives is worth leaving his brother in an uncertain environment every day. Ages 9-12.
Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
Emilia’s inattentive-type ADHD makes it difficult for her to keep up in school, and the changes in her father since he returned from deployment are unraveling her family. She yearns for a time when things were just… easier. Following her dad to watch him weld an old car back together, Emilia finds herself fascinated with the tool. When her dad calls her over to learn how to use it, it begins a father-daughter journey toward healing and acceptance. Ages 10-12.
Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
The world is designed for neurotypical people, which can make it particularly tough for autistic kids like Jason to fit in. Still, he finds a connection with an online friend named PhoenixBird who posts on the same website he does, and begins to feel hopeful that he may have made a true friend. But when PhoenixBird wants to meet in real life, Jason wonders if she will be able to accept him for all that he is. Ages 10-12.
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Willa and Ruby might be complete opposites, but they are best friends. Willa wouldn’t change that for the world — but then, she’s never been a fan of changes. After all, when you’re living with Sensory Processing Disorder, it helps to have everything planned out and then stick to the plan. Not part of the plan? Willa’s dad announcing that he and Ruby’s mom are now dating. Ages 8-12.
Do you have any recommendations for neurodiverse representation in children’s books and media? We’d love to hear them! Until then, we hope you enjoy our picks for these awesomely inclusive books, and we absolutely recommend checking out Carl the Collector on PBS Kids.
Cara Broel
Cara Broel is an English honors undergraduate student at the University of Kansas, pursuing a degree in Literature, Language, and Writing with a minor in Business. She is the creator and former writer of the children’s book review blog The Baby Bookworm and currently writes for the literary news and media platform Bookstr. She has authored several short-form horror fiction works and twice received both the C.L. Clark Writing Award (2022, 2023) and the Ilus W. Davis Award (2023, 2024). In 2024, her work “The Clearing” was nominated for the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. She is the extremely proud mother of a nine-year-old with ASD, and the slightly less proud owner of a rascally mutt named Cheese. Cara also works as a Content Specialist here at QRKIEZ.