Furthering its commitment to kids and families, Disney Channel will present a special episode of the family comedy series “Girl Meets World” that delivers both entertainment and information for kids and parents about Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Three experts consulted 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.
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. The episode premieres FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. Guest starring are Cecilia Balagot (“Isadora Smackle”), Cyrina Fiallo (“Ms. Oben”) and Lee Norris (“Stuart Minkus”) and Kristanna Loken (“Jennifer Bassett Minkus”), who return to their “Boy Meets World” roles, now as Farkle’s parents.
“Girl Meets World” stars Rowan Blanchard as Riley Matthews, Ben Savage as Cory Matthews, Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart, Peyton Meyer as Lucas Friar, August Maturo as Auggie Matthews, Corey Fogelmanis as Farkle Minkus and Danielle Fishel as Topanga Matthews.
For more information on autism, families can visit: www.cdc.gov/autism.