A Leesburg school will be featured in an upcoming episode of WUCF’s award-winning series “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity,” premiering Saturday, June 14 at 6 p.m. on Central Florida’s PBS station.

The episode, titled “Celebrating Carl the Collector,” centers on PBS KIDS’ new animated series Carl the Collector, which introduces viewers to Carl, a warm-hearted raccoon with autism who has a passion for collecting and connecting with others. Carl is PBS KIDS’ first lead character on the autism spectrum.

Students at Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center in Leesburg share their reactions in the episode, offering reflections on Carl’s story and its themes of inclusion, empathy and friendship.

The program also introduces viewers to the creative minds behind the show, including author and series creator Zachariah OHora and director Lisa Whittick. Their work reflects a commitment to authentic representation, shaped by collaboration with neurodiverse writers, actors and autism specialists.

The episode highlights how inclusive children’s media can help all kids feel seen and understood. National experts in neurodiversity weigh in on the broader significance of such representation for young, neurodivergent learners.

Celebrating Carl the Collector is part of the fifth season of A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity, which is produced by Beacon College in Leesburg. Beacon is recognized as the nation’s first accredited college designed specifically for students with learning differences.

The series explores issues related to ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences through personal stories, expert insight and interviews with notable individuals who have succeeded while navigating neurodivergence.

Episodes air on WUCF and are available for free streaming nationwide on the PBS app. For more information and to view past episodes, visit www.AWODTV.org.