"We knew from the first episode" — Fans react after voice actor reveals SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic, calls it his "superpower"

The voice actor for the titular character from the animated show SpongeBob Squarepants, Tom Kenny, explained that SpongeBob is autistic. During his Q&A session at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit, Kenny explained that children on the spectrum can identify with the beloved character because he, too, is on the spectrum.

In a clip first shared by X user @ToonHive on July 23, 2024, the VA recalled a past incident when he first revealed the character's neurodivergence.

"It (a comic con in South Texas) was the first time I’d ever been asked this question — a person who was obviously on the spectrum came up to me and said, ‘I have a question for you, Tom Kenny. Is SpongeBob autistic?’"

The voice actor agreed, saying,

"I said, You know what? That's his superpower, the same way that’s your superpower."

As the news spread, internet users were quick to react, with one saying he was sure of the character's autism since the first episode.

A comment reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @theshaderoom)

Many praised the TV show for representing a neurodivergent character and their struggles. Some slammed the naysayers, stating they loved the show irrespective of the criticism. Here are some comments seen under @theshaderoom's post on Instagram:

Comments reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @theshaderoom)

Some even remarked that it was something quite clear in retrospect, listing out the various hints in the show.

Comments reacting to the news (Image via Instagram/ @theshaderoom)

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This is not the first time the SpongeBob voice actor has spoken about the character's autism

SpongeBob Squarepants is an animated show created by marine science educator Stephen Hillenburg. It revolves around the everyday lives of the titular character and his friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The show premiered on Nickelodeon in 1999.

This is not the first time Tom Kenny, who has voiced the titular persona since its premiere, has spoken about the beloved Nickelodeon character's neurodivergence. During his appearance on Marc Maron's WTF podcast back in October 2012, Kenny told the host,

"I don’t know what there is in that show that talks to kids that are on the autism spectrum, but 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."

Kenny also voices other characters on the show Gary the Snail, the French Narrator (a parody of Jacques Cousteau), and SpongeBob's father (Harold SquarePants). The VA's wife, Jill Talley, voices Karen Plankton in the series.

Tom Kenny has voiced several other animated characters, including the Ice King in Adventure Time and its spin-off: Fionna and Cake, the Narrator and Mayor in Powerpuff Girls, Dog in CatDog, and Carl Chryniszzswics in Johnny Bravo.

Kenny's anecdote at the Metro Con was met with applause from the audience.