Carl the Collector: A Talk with Show Writer Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt

Join television writer Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt for a talk about the PBS KIDS series “Carl the Collector,” for which she writes, and her work as a consultant/advocate for diversity, autism, and disability representation in entertainment. The talk will include a screening of clips from Ava’s episodes of Carl the Collector. Carl the Collector is a 2D animated series for children ages 4-8 that follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown. This event is suggested for adults and kids 10 and over.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, celebrating and honoring the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance.

Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt (she/her/hers) is a writer, actress, and consultant/advocate for diversity, autism, and disability representation in entertainment. As a Chinese, Jewish, autistic adoptee, she shares her intersectional lived experiences through writing and collaborating in writers’ rooms, consulting (largely with RespectAbility, a disability-advocacy nonprofit), speaking on panels, and publishing articles. 

Currently, she’s a writer for the new Spiffy Pictures/PBS Kids animated series, “Carl the Collector.” She’s also the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Creative Consultant for How to Dance in Ohio, a Broadway-bound, coming-of-age musical that follows seven autistic young adults as they form connections and prepare for a formal dance. It premiered at Syracuse Stage in September 2022! 

Previously, she’s written for other popular children’s tv shows, but can’t say what yet, and interned with the Nickelodeon Live Action Casting team. Ava is determined to educate and influence the entertainment industry, creating stories at the intersections of DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility).

CARL THE COLLECTOR is a 2D animated series for children ages 4-8 that follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown. Carl pays extraordinarily close attention to detail and comes up with unique ideas that others might not consider. These traits have helped him amass his extensive collections—from autographs and bottle caps to fake mustaches, pet rocks, sweaters, and virtually everything in between—which can come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends.