The Disney+ reboot of The Proud Family has people talking about how one episode portrayed a character’s autism diagnosis in a realistic, thoughtful, and honest way
If you were a fan of the original The Proud Family on the Disney Channel, you probably remember that it was a show that wasn’t afraid to tackle tough issues. Episodes in the original series showed characters dealing with bullying, religious differences—even race relations, which was (sadly) a pretty radical thing to portray in a kids’ cartoon at the time. Now that the show’s reboot has hit Disney+, it’s clear that the tradition of realistically and honestly portraying tough issues will carry on. One clip is going viral for the way it depicts a character’s autism diagnosis—including conveying how many people feel when they’re in that situation and describing how best to love and support a child on the spectrum.
In the video, the Proud family can be seen in a doctor’s office, where their twins, BeBe and CeCe, have just been evaluated. While CeCe is shown to be ahead of her age, BeBe’s evaluation reveals something different: he’s showing early signs of autism.
In the clip, Oscar is at first upset about the news. But as the doctor explains that it simply means BeBe needs different kinds of love and support, he remembers what’s most important: that his son is still the same person and that they love each other.
Wow the Proud Family is dope for this. I've never seen a cartoon address autism so directly pic.twitter.com/hBYj5wZucp
— Thee Anime Guru (@aprettyPR) February 2, 2023
In the proud family reboot Penny's little brother bebe is on the autism spectrum and I'm so touched they included that in the show
— ēdē (@theidi_) February 2, 2023
The clip quickly went viral, with many people praising the show for not only having representation of a Black character with autism but also refusing to shy away from the reality: that people on the spectrum can be met with fear and apprehension, even from people who love them. The only way we’re going to overcome that is through honest, thoughtful portrayals like this one.
omg why is the best explanation of autism and support needs I’ve seen on tv so far the scene where BEBE FROM THE PROUD FAMILY gets diagnosed 😭 I’ve never ever seen it mentioned in a piece of media that someone’s support needs can fluctuate day to day EVER
— Design Officer @ TTPD | HEARD XO LIVE!! (@WilltheVVise) February 2, 2023
Man… autism being explicitly mentioned, explained in detail, and overall treated with heavy respect – and in a mainstream family cartoon. You love to freaking see it.#TheProudFamilyLouderAndProuder pic.twitter.com/rf58SgZBrn
— Toon4Thought (@Toon4Thought) February 2, 2023
They diagnosed Bebe with Autism on the Proud Family show – the writers did such a great job presenting the diagnoses to parents in a realistic point of view 🫶🏽
— Arieanna Amari Alvarado🌞🌻✨ (@ArAmariAl) February 2, 2023
They also used a real 7 yr old African American boy with Autism to play his voice 🥹🥹🫶🏽 His name is Aiden Dodson.
This is the kind of media that kids (and, let’s be honest, many adults) need to see. It addresses a tough issue head-on, and the result is more empathy and understanding. You love to see it.
The Juneteenth, colorism, and autism episodes of the Proud family was really cool. it's important for children to see
— J. (@indyflowerss) February 2, 2023
