Pablo is a lovable five-year-old boy who uses his magic crayons to turn the challenges he faces into adventures helping him deal with the world with confidence.
The 52-episode animation series was created and produced by Irish production company, Paper Owl Films and will be aired on both CBeebies and Ireland's National broadcaster, RTE from Monday.
Not only does the show's lead actor have autism, but the show is entirely cast with those with the condition.
Grainne McGuinness, creative director at Paper Owl Films, says she is confident children will embrace this quirky character:
“Every child will love Pablo. He’s funny and smart and has a terrific imagination which takes him on wonderfully colourful adventures, which young audiences will want to share."
Pablo is a little artist and creates an amazing world for him and his friends. Within his special world, imaginations run free.
It is through this Art World that he solves concerns that the real world presents to him. At the start of each episode, Pablo's mum explains gently to him about what they will be doing later that day. It gives him enough time to draw a picture and use this world to solve problems that might arise for him.
By working things out with his friends in the Art World, Pablo equips himself to deal with the Real World.
What is unique about this show is that all the characters see the world in different ways - it is a celebration of individuality and the colourful world that they draw is really heartwarming.
Pablo is the first children’s series to be made about a character on the autism spectrum.
1 in 63 children are now on the ASD spectrum worldwide - this makes this programme relevant and important to help other children understand that not everyone is the same.
A central feature of autism is that the world is viewed from a purely visual perspective, which is then supplemented by language. It is hoped the simple visuals will appeal to children with ASD.
The key messages of this show are important for all children - we must consider the emotions of others, there is always a solution, and the world is a more exciting place because we are all different.
Pablo was filmed in Northern Ireland with animation provided by Kavaleer Productions in Dublin. A second series has already been commissioned and the production company has been commissioned to make eight short films featuring the real world experiences of children like Pablo.
It will air on CBeebies and RTE from Monday.
