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TYLER, Texas — A young man from East Texas is breaking new ground in children’s television and challenging long-held assumptions about disability and communication.
Odin Frost, of Tyler, who lives with autism, cerebral palsy and apraxia, has become the first non-speaking person to voice a character on a syndicated cartoon for his role on the PBS Kids series, “Carl the Collector.”
Apraxia affects Odin’s ability to speak verbally, but he communicates using an iPad-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, along with simple American Sign Language and gestures.
His father, Tim Frost, said that despite his disability, Odin does not have an intellectual disability.
“The more you’re around him, the more you see how beautifully he understands and how in tune he is with the world,” Tim Frost said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Frost began documenting small, everyday moments of his family’s life as a way to cope with the uncertainty of the time.
What started as a private Instagram account soon evolved into a public platform centered on joy, inclusion and disability awareness.
“We try every single day to post something that educates people about autism, disabilities and inclusion for people like Odin,” Frost said.
The account has since grown to more than 100,000 followers worldwide, drawing attention for its authenticity and positive message.
“We always try to be honest and authentic and represent Odin’s voice beautifully,” Frost said. “And because of that, he’s been given some really incredible opportunities.”
One of those opportunities came through Carl the Collector, a children’s television series focused on a raccoon on the autism spectrum. The show, which the Frost family had already admired, is known for prioritizing authentic representation by involving people on the autism spectrum in its creative process.
“We had never seen anything like it on TV,” Frost said. “It was groundbreaking to see something that represented Odin and his friends in such a beautiful way.”
Odin was invited to voice a character named Paolo, who communicates using an iPad — mirroring Odin’s own method of communication.
Using his AAC device, Odin recorded all of his lines from his bedroom. Each recording captured his natural reactions and personality, allowing producers to select performances just as they would with any other voice actor.
“It opens the door for Odin and for people like him who may want to be voice actors or creatives, regardless of disability,” Frost said.
When Odin watched the completed episode for the first time, his family said the moment was overwhelming.
“From the very first soundbite, we were all crying,” Frost said. “And Odin just kept saying, ‘That’s me. I did it!’”
For the Frost family, the achievement represents more than a personal milestone. They hope Odin’s visibility will help shift perceptions about disability and create new opportunities for others who communicate differently.
“The challenges are overwhelming at times,” Frost said. “But the community that lifts us up reminds us why we keep going and why he deserves the life he has.”