Voice Actor Tom Kenny Confirms SpongeBob SquarePants Is Autistic: 'That's His Superpower'

SpongeBob SquarePants, who lives in a pineapple under the sea, has won the hearts of both kids and adults since making his debut on Nickelodeon in 1999. However, diehard fans, who have grown up watching the show, often saw signs of autism in his behaviour and debated about it. Now, it seems like their speculations have come true, as Tom Kenny, the voice behind the famous cartoon character, has officially confirmed that the beloved resident of the Bikini Bottom is autistic. While appearing at the 2024 Motor City Comic Con in Detroit, US, Kenny made this surprising revelation about the character. He recalled a past conversation with a fan “on the spectrum,” who asked if SpongeBob was autistic.

The actor said, “Children on the spectrum really identify with SpongeBob because SpongeBob is kind of on the spectrum too as a character. This last con that I did in South Texas in McAllen, it 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 himself autistic?’ I said, ‘Of course. You know what? That’s his superpower, the same way that’s your superpower’.”

Reacting to the video, a user wrote, “I can finally relate to SpongeBob.”

Another shared, “No wonder I liked SpongeBob so much we got a CONNECTION.”

“I’m crying tears of joy. Tom is the GOAT,” a comment read.

One more added, “If SpongeBob is autistic, that could explain the way he acts.”

This isn’t the first time that Tom Kenny has shared his views on SpongeBob’s autism. In 2012, he mentioned on Marc Maron’s podcast that SpongeBob’s personality might connect with kids on the autism spectrum. The voice actor explained that his strong focus on work and his intense dedication for certain activities might be why he seems relatable to autistic individuals. According to Kenny, this unique personality has always set him apart from other cartoons.

Since the cartoon’s debut in 1999, it has been a popular animated show featuring a talking sea sponge who works at a fast food restaurant, goes to boating school and lives in a pineapple under the sea. Meanwhile, Autism is a condition where individuals may struggle with social interactions and show repetitive behaviours or focused interests.

SpongeBob SquarePants is currently in its 14th season on Nickelodeon and has already been renewed for a 15th season. Apart from the titular character, other characters include Pearl, Plankton, Karen, Sandy, Mr Krabs, Squidward, Gary, Patrick and Mrs Puff.