Tom Kenny confirms that SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic: 'That's his superpower'

SpongeBob SquarePants has a unique superpower that connects with kids and adults. The always cheerful yellow character is autistic and has been for twenty-five years. While living on the spectrum is part of everyday life for many, SpongeBob's representation resonates with fans because it can boost their confidence with a feeling of acceptance.

As disability continues to expand in the media, SpongeBob may have become the first character of positive inclusion since he has a steady job, a circle of friends, and lives his life the way he wants, with a rosy outlook. Instead of finding the gloom, he embraces the joy of the simplest things, which is a good omen not only for those with autism but also for coping with depression and anxiety.

Tom Kenny reveals that SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic

Tom Kenny, who voices SpongeBob, confirmed the rumors that he is indeed autistic during a panel at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in May. He recalled how a fan of the long-running show and the beloved pop cult icon living on the spectrum asked him if SpongeBob was autistic.

"I have a question for you, Tom Kenny," the fan asked. "Is SpongeBob [SquarePants] autistic? Is SpongeBob himself autistic as a character?"

Kenny's answer was nothing short of empowering.

"Yes, of course he is! That's his superpower [in] the way your superpower is."

Before Kenny's official announcement, there have been clues that SpongeBob had a differently bright light about him, and it wasn't focus on his quirkiness, or the way he dresses in a tie and tube socks. It was his social cues on how not picking up on his neighbor, Squidward's deadpan expressions and sarcastic wit and taking everything literally when some of suggestions were figures of speech.

Despite SpongeBob's social mind frame, he prides himself in his job as a chef at Krabby Patty and is a devoted snail dad to Gary, his pet shelled snail who behaves much like a cat. Whether SpongeBob knows he has autism or not remains to be confirmed, but in essence, it doesn't matter because he doesn't allow it to affect his life.

Overall, SpongeBob's colorful 2D design has remained relatively the same since its 1999 debut, and hasn't evolved to the 3D animated module as several productions have. Both kids and adults with autism are drawn to the original design, and therefore, connecting to SpongeBob on personal levels.

As SpongeBob enjoys his 25th anniversary, this is just another check to love him more.