‘Girl Meets World’ to Cover Asperger’s Syndrome in Upcoming Episode

Girl Meets World doesn’t shy away from tackling tough issues, like self-esteem and exploring who you really are, and now the series is ready to take on another real life issue that faces many kids on a daily basis: Asperger’s syndrome.

The episode will center around Riley and Maya’s friend Farkle Minkus as finds out whether or not he has Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.

Those involved with the show didn’t take the production of the episode lightly, enlisting three experts to consult on the episode to help deliver an authentic storyline that can spark conversation among kids and their families. They are: Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D, The Help Group; child development consultant Arthur Pober, Ed.D.; and Shiela Wagner, M.Ed., retired, Emory Autism Center

Check out a brief synopsis of the episode, per Disney, below:

In the story, “Girl Meets Farkle,” Riley, Maya and Lucas emphasize the beauty of being unique as they rally around their friend Farkle Minkus, who may be on the autism spectrum. Meanwhile, his friendship with another student, Smackle, grows fonder.

“Girl Meets Farkle” premieres Friday September 11th (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

For more information on autism, families can visit: www.cdc.gov/autism.

Photo Credit: Disney Channel

Responses

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  1. Wow…so proud of this show…such an important issue nowadays as so many kids are currently on the spectrum. It is important to befriend people and appreciate their differences, include and support them, have acceptance, and realize that bullying, rejecting, and teasing are not ever the answer. Really, really proud of Girl Meets World to help mainstream and bring to attention of young minds this important message!! Goooo kids and families with kids on the spectrum and the wonderful friends and communities that support and befriend them…Kudos Girl Meets World!!

  2. Did anyone else have issue with the unresolved peer pressure issues with this story? On a show that just tackler bullying two weeks ago, Riley, Maya and Lucas’ family essentially bullied him into going through with something dangerous that he didn’t want to do.
    Sure, everything worked out and the pressure was there to be funny, but it all felt off to me and unresolved. To some extent, that’s why I’d have like Lucas to end up injured. Then Maya could rightly be upset with him going through with it and everyone else for the pressure they inserted. Sure, she helped start the problem, but she backed off when she realized the danger.
    Anyone else?