A new animated series from Belfast-based Paper Owl Films and Crayola Studios aims to foster inclusivity and understanding in primary schools. Titled "Pablo: Next Level," the show features an autistic lead character, an eight-year-old named Pablo, as he experiences mainstream school life.
The series, a spin-off from the pre-school show "Pablo," will air across the UK and Ireland on CBBC and RTÉ Kids. It comprises 40 episodes, following Pablo's journey with the assistance of his sketch pad and his "book animal friends." The narrative is centered on the autistic child's perspective and voice.
Alexander Myles, an 11-year-old with autism from Ballycastle, County Antrim, voices the character of Pablo. He expressed that the character will resonate with other children who have autism. "Sometimes Pablo struggles with textures of different objects or with people, he doesn't like it when his food touches, he sometimes finds it hard to understand things, he doesn't like it whenever rules change unexpectedly and most of all he finds it hard to make friendships or keep them," Alexander explained.
Myles hopes that the show will provide a relatable figure for children with disabilities, including those with mental or physical challenges. He cited characters like Mylo, who uses a wheelchair, and Eoin, who has dyslexia, as examples. "I hope people with autism, and also people with any mental or physical disability, like Mylo in the show who is in a wheelchair or Eoin who has dyslexia, will be able to look up and relate and be able to get through the rough and hard times," he said.
Alexander also shared his personal connection to the show's themes, noting that he is also preparing to transition to secondary school, mirroring Pablo's experience. "I've seen people be horrible to other people with disabilities just because they're not the same as it doesn't really matter who you are or aren't are, because we're all human in the end," he added, emphasizing the importance of universal respect.
The series is designed to encourage and empower children in classrooms to be more inclusive, creating a supportive environment for diverse minds. The production highlights the importance of representation and empathy in children's media.