Farkle Gets Empathy & Support From Friends During Special Asperger's Syndrome-Centered 'Girl Meets World' Episode

Smackle (Cecila Balagot) looks just a bit hesitant as Farkle (Corey Fogelmanis) hugs her in this preview from tonight’s special Girl Meets World.

In “Girl Meets Farkle,” Riley (Rowan Blanchard), Maya (Sabrina Carpenter) and Lucas (Peyton Meyer) emphasize the beauty of being unique as they rally around their friend Farkle Minkus, who may be on the autism spectrum. Meanwhile, his friendship with another student, Smackle, grows fonder.

The episode sheds light on Asperger’s Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Three experts consulted on the episode to help deliver an authentic storyline that can spark conversation among kids and their families. They are: Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D, The Help Group; child development consultant Arthur Pober, Ed.D.; and Shiela Wagner, M.Ed., retired, Emory Autism Center.

Lee Norris and Kristanna Loken will play Farkle’s parents, Stuart and Jennifer Bassett Minkus.

“Girl Meets Farkle” airs TONIGHT, Friday, September 11th @ 8:30 PM ET/PT on Disney Channel.