Traditional TV Shows for Children with Autism

When I was growing up, I can recall watching Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and The Jetsons, among others, on TV. Today, they make their appearances on the Boomerang channel and Cartoon Network, along with many other classic shows. Surprisingly, there are many times where I find my son, who is Autistic, watching the older shows. Maybe it is not surprising, but in today's world of violence, a little unforeseen common sense is a good thing!

Now of course, some people will say that even with some of the older TV classics, there was still violence. However, it is nothing compared to some of the cartoons on TV today. I am not saying that they are all bad, but some are questionable on an entirely different level. I'll pick on the Simpsons, let's say. I will not let my son watch this show under any circumstances. It is my opinion that, Bart and Homer are both extremely bad influences on young children. Especially, when that child is Autistic, and doesn't need any bad influences in his life. He doesn't need any encouragement to be a slough-off at school, or to have poor work ethics. Nor does he need to learn how to be disrespectful, by telling others to "eat my shorts," instead of learning how to respect others. My son happens to be a good student and eventually wishes to hold a good job. Not exactly something, that, he can learn from watching this show. I don't begrudge those who enjoy it, but I don't think it's suitable for children.

Having said this, however, there are plenty of decent shows on today, despite some having fictional violence in them. However, I know what my son can and can't handle. For instance, he loves the Power Rangers, all 15 versions of them. While the acting is a bit cheesy, I can give the show credit for never once, that I know of, displaying blood when someone gets hurt or even when the bad guys are "blown up." You see a lot of Martial Arts, but if anything, this has encouraged hundreds, if not, thousands of children, to learn Martial Arts. This is not so they can fight each other, hopefully. This may just be because the children want to be like their heroes. What they don't know is, that, learning any kind of Martial Art teaches you self-discipline, as well as, the arts of self-defense. Even my son has taken a class in Tang-Soo-Do. It taught him a measure of discipline, which he did not have before. Therefore, I can accept the fictional violence, when it so obviously inspires children to do something that can actually benefit them.

Other shows that most parents will find acceptable are Spiderman (any version), He-Man (either version), Transformers (any version), Ben-10(either version), Digimon, Pokemon and several others. I have sat thru all of these shows at least once, so I know what's involved in each show. If there is anything I could object to, I make sure to block the channel, which forces my son to come directly to me if there's something on that he wants to watch.

As for the older shows, my son enjoys watching Scooby-Doo, no matter which version it happens to be. What he's not even aware of is, that, the show actually has a hidden purpose to it; How to solve a problem, which is one of life's little mysteries, no pun intended, by using your problem solving skills. That is exactly what Scooby and the gang are doing when they solve a Mystery. I doubt that any child, disabled or not, realizes this, but it is true. That is why this show, while it can be scary from time to time, is a good one for children on the Spectrum. There's no real violence, and the bad guys are caught. This can also teach kids that if they commit a crime, they will be caught, at least in theory, right?

Other favorites are Tom & Jerry, Yogi Bear, and Bugs Bunny. While sometimes there is fictional violence, most of these are suitable for kids with Autism. It honestly depends on the child. Most of the time, all I hear is the sound of his laughter. He does understand that it isn't real when Tom is beaten up by Spike. In fact, he said to me the other day that it was silly because dogs & cats don't walk on two feet. The episode featured Spike walking Tom on a leash, just as a person would normally walk a dog. Very interesting observation by someone with a disability. The silliness of the older cartoons actually gets my son thinking about what normal behavior is and what's completely bizarre. Granted, the newer cartoons sometimes do that, too. However, I'd rather he watch Tom & Jerry instead of Courage the Cowardly Dog or Sponge Bob.

Therefore, here's a list of cartoons that I would suggest, especially for children with Autism, or any child really. In most areas, if you get Direct TV or Comcast, etc, they should be available on Boomerang, Disney Channel or Cartoon Network.

Rating: Y7 Tom & Jerry (50-60's)
Rating: G The Flintstones (50's-60's)
Rating: G The Jetsons (60's)
Rating: Y7 The Adventures of Penelope Pitstop (80's)
Rating: G Underdog (80's)
Rating: G The Smurfs (80's)
Rating: Y7 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (80's, 2000)
Rating: G Looney Tunes (50's-Current)
Rating: Y7 Animated Superman Series (40's, 50's, 90's, Current)
Rating: Y7 or G Scooby Doo (Any Series, 70's-Current)
Rating: G Superfriends (70's, 80's)
Rating: Y7 Justice League Unlimited (90's-Current)
Rating: Y7 Spiderman (Any series, 80's-Current)

These are only a few suggestions, and the decision is ultimately up to you. I would stick to the basics. If it worked for you as a kid, then your children should suffer no bad side effects from watching these. Besides, who ever said that growing up meant not looking for an excuse to watch cartoons!