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What Kinds Of Tv Shows/cartoons For Aspie/ADHD Kids To Watch?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭

my son (6) has only been diagnosed with ASperger's and ADHD, but I suspect he has some other things as well, but he can NOT handle playing any kind of electronic game because he gets very very frustrated (throws things, hits the tv, walks by and swipes things off tables, cusses, etc) so I am trying to find something that he could watch calmly that he would like. We have Netflix and Amazon so tons to choose from, just need help chosing :)

posted June 11, 2013
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A MyAutismTeam Member

Sorry for what you are going through. It sounds like this is just one example of the issues you are dealing with.

You might want to back up a step and deal with the temper tantrums first. Asperger's children rarely have difficulty understanding games, or expressing their thoughts. (ASD kids, sure. ASD kids are frequently frustrated due to their inability to communicate, which can lead to temper tantrums, but AS kids have a different set of problems.)

You may be dealing with an inability to change routine, or some sort of emotional pressure, but usually video games and "emotionally detached" television are very calming for AS kids.

Is there a chance that he is dealing with some sensory overload? Is there something that you can redirect him to that calms him down? If so, that might give you a hint as to what the real problem is.

If he is dealing with hyperactivity, for example, he might find himself calmed by physical exertion. If it is a sensory overload problem, then he will be calmed by a quiet room with limited motion.

Many AS kids will be able to tell you what is wrong. (For better or worse, they are rarely at a loss for words.) You will have to wait until the meltdown is over, of course.

Wait until he is no longer frustrated, and ask him what triggered the outburst. Once you figure that out, you may have some better luck choosing a TV program that will be calming.

My son prefers television shows with music, simple plot lines, and animated trains, but 'Chuggington' and 'Thomas' are too simplistic for a 6-year-old.

If he has a fear of social situations, then TV shows might be a good low-pressure way to teach social skills. You could start with "Zach and Cody" and if that works, then you could find other shows that explore social questions and answers.

posted June 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

1. Model me kids DVDs maybe a little pricy but worth it
2. Amazon prime ? 7 years of Mr Rodgers - I am just now realizing that Man's true genius
3 Daniel tiger ( modern version )
4 Imagination movers
5 Sid the science kid
6 ask around find out what the boys at school / camp are watching - we got a homework assignment from Kindergarden teacher to watch transformers - z had no idea what other boys were talking about

posted June 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Little Bear is very sweet and we love the animation.

posted June 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Fantasia, or Fantasia 2000. The early education specialist actually recommended this, and Peyton loves it!

posted May 4, 2016
A MyAutismTeam Member

Movies with really good background music seem to help my son. Arriety, and Kikki's Delivery Service by studio Ghibli seem to always calm him down (and me lol)some other shows that work are 64 zoo lane, between the lions, babar, and madeline. I have always kept closed captioning on when he watched anything and now he can read/decode anything.

posted June 13, 2013

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