Types of Shows Beneficial to Children with Autism

Parents watching shows that benefit children with ASD.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often encounter unique challenges in social interactions, communication, and sensory processing. Due to these differences, certain types of entertainment, such as television programs and live performances, can be particularly beneficial for them. Shows that emphasize predictability, sensory-friendly content, and social-emotional learning have been shown to support children with ASD in educational and therapeutic ways. This article discusses various types of shows that can be advantageous for children with autism. 

1. Educational Shows 

Educational shows that offer clear structure and repetition can be highly beneficial for children with autism. These programs often focus on teaching basic skills such as numbers, letters, and social concepts, which can be particularly helpful for those with communication difficulties. For instance, programs like Sesame Street introduce characters like Julia, a Muppet with autism, to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse children. In addition, children with autism may respond better to structured, predictable educational content because it aligns with their preference for routine and repetition (Jones et al., 2014). 

2. Social Skills Shows 

Children with autism often struggle with understanding social cues, facial expressions, and interpersonal interactions. Social skills shows, which focus on teaching empathy, friendship, and emotional regulation, can help bridge these gaps. Shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood model various social situations and offer strategies for managing emotions, which can aid children in understanding how to react in real-life scenarios (Dotson et al., 2016). Children with ASD who watch social-emotional learning shows demonstrated improved understanding and emotional responses in situations such as stopping play politely (Dotson et al., 2016). 

3. Sensory-Friendly Shows 

Children with autism often experience sensory sensitivities, which can make some television or live performances overwhelming. Sensory-friendly shows take this into account by offering lower levels of noise, reduced bright lighting, and slower-paced content. These adaptations are crucial for preventing sensory overload, which can cause distress in children with ASD. Sensory-friendly live performances, such as sensory-adapted theater productions, have become more common, with theaters lowering sound levels, keeping lights dim, and allowing more movement from the audience. These sensory-adapted environments may help to reduce anxiety and promote enjoyment for children with ASD (Robertson et al., 2015; Williams et al., 2024). 

4. Animation and Visual-Based Shows 

Visual learning is often a strength for many children with autism, and animated shows or those with strong visual storytelling can be particularly engaging for them. These shows often use vibrant colors, exaggerated expressions, and clear visual cues to convey emotions and storylines. Animation can make abstract concepts more concrete, helping children better understand emotions or social dynamics. Children with ASD often engage more deeply with shows that rely heavily on visual communication, as these shows align with their processing strengths (Ryan, 2023). 

5. Interactive Shows 

Interactive shows that encourage viewer participation can also benefit children with autism. Programs like Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer ask questions and pause for audience responses, which can help children with ASD practice communication skills in a low-pressure environment. Studies suggest that interactive programming can increase engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment (Li et al., 2024). 

In summary, choosing the right type of show can significantly affect the learning and development of children with autism. Educational, social skills, sensory-friendly, visual-based, and interactive shows offer unique benefits catering to these children's strengths and challenges. By selecting content that aligns with their needs, parents and educators can support the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of children with ASD in an enjoyable and accessible way. And finally, as a cautionary note, it is also important to consider the total amount of screen time for the child as excessive screen time can also come with detrimental effects which may outweigh the learning points. We encourage parents to be selective and mindful in order to strike the best balance for each child.

Written by: Natasha

References

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