‘Proud Family’ reboot - Autistic baby character

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The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder sees the return of BeBe, Penny Proud's little brother who is revealed to be autistic. As an original Disney Channel animated TV series from 2001, The Proud Family is a beloved series, so there was a lot of pressure on the 2022 reboot when it was announced. Fortunately, this Disney+ series managed to play to its grown-up audience while also offering contemporary storytelling for new and younger viewers. A reboot of the original show, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, once again follows Penny and her large family as they navigate life.

Many of the original cast members of The Proud Family returned to voice their characters, connecting the series separated by almost two decades. One change comes with Penny's baby brother BeBe, who was originally voiced by Tara Stong but is now voiced by Aiden Dodson. BeBe is CeCe's fraternal twin and the pair are as excitable and uncontrollable as they were in the original series. He looks the same as ever too, sporting a large afro that hides his eyes. One change made to BeBe is the revelation that he is autistic, a choice celebrated by characters and fans alike.

Proud Family Fans Praise BeBe's Autism Depiction
In The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder season 2, episode 9, "BeBe", Penny notices that her brother shows no fear when falling. Concerned, her parents, Oscar and Trudy, take their baby to the doctor, where they are told that BeBe is on the autism spectrum. Bebe's neurodiversity was met with instant praise. This is one of the clearer explanations of autism to ever come from a TV show and the fact that it came from a half-hour kids' animated series made it all the more impressive, as child viewers can see and learn from diverse characters at an early age.

Commenters expressed their appreciation for the show representing a character with autism in such a straightforward and detailed way. Dr. Lord calmly tells the Prouds that both their children are happy and brilliant but that BeBe is on the autism spectrum and will require some extra care and attention. She doesn't sugarcoat anything nor does she sound too dire; she simply states the facts and points out what is going on with BeBe. It shows a clear understanding by the writers of what autism is and how it can take different forms. Viewers were glad to see it.

Oscar's Reaction To BeBe's Autism Explained
Perhaps even more important to this episode than the doctor's explanation is Oscar Proud's reaction. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder goes for a realistic approach, with Oscar misunderstanding the diagnosis and even getting angry with the doctor. His reaction to the doctor, "You calling my boy stupid?” is harsh, but it's an accurate depiction of how some parents may behave in a similar situation.