For the past eight years, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has felt like an extension of our own home. Daniel Tiger was the first animated character my eldest child connected with, and by the time my second son came along, the charm of Daniel was still very much alive. Now, my youngest is nearly at the age where he can appreciate Daniel’s lessons too. Throughout my journey as a mother, the cheerful tunes of Daniel have been a constant reminder of important life skills—like sharing, managing emotions, and facing the challenges of preschool.
I even shed a tear when Daniel welcomed his little sister, Baby Margaret, into the world. It was a touching moment for me.
Since the show is produced by the Fred Rogers Company, it resonates with me on a personal level. I enjoy seeing characters from my childhood as adults in a community that validates children’s feelings and experiences. The representation of diverse families means I’ve never had to question the values my kids are absorbing from the series.
When I learned about the introduction of an autistic character named Max, I felt a mix of hope and skepticism, wondering if my son would find someone relatable in him.
My son, Oliver, is five years old and autistic. We steer clear of functioning labels as they don’t accurately capture the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. That said, I want to share a bit about Oliver so you can understand my concerns about his representation in the show.
Often, autistic characters in media are depicted as either highly verbal and fixated on specific topics or as entirely non-verbal and sensitive to sensory stimuli. Neither portrayal truly reflects Oliver’s reality.
While Oliver communicates effectively and talks extensively, he does face a speech delay. His conversations don’t always follow typical patterns for a five-year-old, and he doesn’t regurgitate facts about his favorite subjects. He generally handles sensory experiences well, as long as he can engage on his own terms.
People often assume, “Oh, he must have mild autism,” when they observe him interacting comfortably, but when he seeks space or struggles with a question, they express sympathy for me, thinking his autism is burdensome. These assumptions don’t serve Oliver.
While Oliver is fully autistic, it means different things for different individuals. For him, it signifies the need for time, space, and understanding to thrive.
With that context, last Friday, I took Oliver to our cozy room. We cuddled up on the soft pillows, shared a blanket, and watched the episode where Max first appears. (Fun fact: The character is voiced by an autistic actor, which was crucial for me to support.)
Max’s introduction to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood was wonderful. When the teacher mentioned Max’s autism, I exclaimed, “Look! Max is autistic!” Oliver beamed and said, “Just like me, Mommy!” Seeing Max line up his favorite buses in rainbow order made Oliver smile wide. He exclaimed, “The colors of the rainbow! Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple!” This detail resonated deeply with him.
In another scene, Max struggled with a bright and noisy environment. Although Oliver usually adapts well to such situations, he recognized Max’s need for a break. When Max’s aunt took him outside, he said, “Now Max is happy!”
As we watched, Oliver maintained a smile. After the episode, we talked about autism, and he proudly recited, “Autistic is awesome, and different is not less!” Later that evening, he chose to re-watch the episode, laughing along with the characters as they found ways to play with Max.
Having a character like Max on screen means the world to him, and as a parent, I’m grateful Daniel Tiger can provide this representation. Additionally, it’s vital for neurotypical children to have early exposure to autism. Max is not alone; PBS features other characters like AJ from Hero Elementary and Julia from Sesame Street, helping children learn about autism before they step into school.
It’s crucial for families like mine that this representation continues to grow. As Oliver prepares for elementary school, understanding and accommodating autism will be essential for his social interactions. Inclusivity in media about neurodivergence is as important as it is for race, gender, and other identities.
We absolutely adore Daniel Tiger’s new friend, Max, and hope to see him in many more episodes!
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Summary:
This article reflects on the profound impact of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on a family, particularly highlighting the introduction of Max, an autistic character. It discusses the importance of representation in media, not only for autistic children but also for their neurotypical peers. The author shares personal insights about her son, emphasizing the need for understanding and acceptance of autism in society.
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