A new series of the animated children's show Pablo, made in Belfast, is now available on RTÉ Kids, RTÉ Player, CBBC and BBC iPlayer. The show follows a preschool-age autistic boy who uses magic crayons to deal with challenges.

Pablo: Next Level focuses on inclusivity for neurodivergent children in mainstream schools. The voice of the older Pablo is provided by 11-year-old Alexander Myles from Ballycastle, County Antrim, who is autistic.

Alexander said he found out about the role after his mother responded to an advertisement for voice actors. He attended auditions and then learned he had been cast.

Alexander recently started secondary school. He said school can be overwhelming at times due to rule changes and loud noises, but that the right adjustments make it easier. He highlighted benefits such as movement breaks, changing classes, and having different teachers.

Alexander said he hopes the show helps others feel less alone. He listed supports that can make a big difference, including ear defenders, written instructions, age-appropriate fidget toys, divided plates for food, and uniform choices to avoid uncomfortable textures.

Alexander's mother, Therese McCurdy, said that while things can appear fine on the surface, her son can experience anxiety and exhaustion from masking at school. She said the show models a supportive teacher and good friends, and simple actions can help children feel included.

McCurdy, who is also neurodivergent and was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, said a show like Pablo would have made a massive difference to her as a child by providing representation and awareness.

One of the show's writers, Carol Walsh, became involved when the production companies were seeking autistic writers with a comedy background. Her seven-year-old son is autistic. She said the show does not patronise and presents an autistic perspective from a joyful and funny angle, which she said is a gap in children's television.

Walsh said a lot of programming about neurodivergence focuses on limitations, but Pablo takes a holistic, child-centred point of view. She said the show is for all children and that both neurodivergent and neurotypical viewers will find things that resonate.