Why Spongebob Squarepants’ Neurodiversity Matters
August 2, 2024
As of today, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie is officially streaming on Netflix. The debut comes just one week after a video of voice actor Tom Kenny went viral on X (formerly Twitter), confirming a popular fan theory that Spongebob has autism.
During a panel at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Michigan, Kenny explained that many kids who are neurodivergent identify with Spongebob, sharing a particularly heartwarming experience he had with a fan:
"A person who's obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said, 'I have a question for you, Tom Kenny: Is SpongeBob autistic?' I said, 'Yes, of course he is! That's his superpower, the same way it's your superpower.'"
Kenny has made similar comments before, 12 years earlier stating on Marc Maron’s podcast:
“the show talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum more than other cartoons... because SpongeBob as a character is a little autistic. Obsessed with his job, very hardworking, gets really really deep into something."
The reaction online has been primarily positive, with users sharing comments on the viral tweet like “No wonder I liked Spongebob so much we got a CONNECTION”; “Yes! Represent!”; and “that makes me feel good about myself having autism.”
The success of Spongebob, which has been officially running for 25 years, speaks to the power of authentic inclusive representation (AIR) in storytelling and on screen. Authentic diversity on screens can have a positive impact on children’s development, considering that stories children are told often shape the way they think and feel about (and act towards) themselves, others, and the world around them. Seeing a character like Spongebob can serve as a positive role model, showcasing the lovability of those who identify as neurodivergent and the capability they have to maintain a quality life filled with meaningful attributes like working a job you care about (i.e. being a cook at the Krusty Krab) and having fun with close friends (like Patrick and Sandy).
But there is more than just a moral imperative to feature authentic and inclusive characters on screen: there is also a strong business case to do so. According to research from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA, films that had more authentic inclusive representation consistently predicted higher box office earnings and resulted in more positive audience and critic ratings. There is also a growing body of evidence that when studios don't invest in projects led by diverse creatives and executives, they leave money on the table.
Featuring diverse characters on screen, including neurodiverse characters like Spongebob, is both good for society and good for the entertainment industry. We hope to keep seeing more in the coming years. And in the meantime, we’ll be watching the Spongebob Squarepants seasons on Paramount+ and the latest spinoff movie on Netflix today 👀🍿📺
Read more about The Business Case for Authentic Inclusive Representation on screen
Read more about Disabled Audiences in the U.S. perceive current representation on screen
__________________
April Cisneros serves as director of marketing and communications for the Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA. To contact her for press inquiries, email april@scholarsandstorytellers.com.
