Three popular PBS KIDS shows – the Emmy-winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum based on Brad Meltzer bestselling books, and standout superhero series Hero Elementary, will be premiering new episodes for ‘Autism Acceptance Month’.
29 March kicks off a week of brand-new Hero Elementary episodes, including AJ’s Extra Superpower, a special half-hour show, debuting on ‘World Autism Awareness Day’, 2 April!
In the new episode, when a little girl’s toys keep disappearing from her backyard, Sparks’ Crew discovers the culprit is a neighbor’s dog. How will they keep it out? AJ’s Extra Superpower (his autism) is the key! – reads the official description.
On 5 April, a week of special Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episodes will kick off that will introduce families to Teacher Harriet’s nephew, a new friend Max who is autistic. As Max joins Daniel and his friends in various activities, the group and young viewers at home learn a brand-new strategy song, “When a friend needs different things than you, there are some things you can do.” Max is voiced by Israel Thomas-Bruce, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was four and is now 13 and in eighth grade. An active, smart, and ambitious teenager, Israel is very social and loves to tell jokes, play basketball and video games, and hang out with friends.
Also on 5 April, fans will be treated to a new episode of the hit series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum –featuring world-renowned scientist and autism advocate Doctor Temple Grandin. In the episode, “I am Temple Grandin,” he’ll helps Yadina make friends with a new boy at school by showing her that people think and do things differently.
Hero Elementary ‘AJ’s ExtraSuperpower’
Premiering Friday, 2 April on World Autism Awareness Day, on PBS KIDS
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ‘Daniel Meets a New Friend’ / ‘A New Friend at the Clock Factory’
Premiering Monday, 5 April on PBS KIDS, in “A New Friend at the Clock Factory” – Daniel is at Chime Time with his new friend, Max. When Max is overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud sounds, Daniel and his friends learn what they can do to help make a calmer Chime Time so Max can play, too.
“Jodi’s Asthma”/“Daniel and Max Play at the Playground” – Premieres on 6 April on PBS KIDS
“Jodi’s Asthma” – Daniel is playing Splat Ball with his friends at the Enchanted Garden, but Jodi’s asthma makes it hard for her to run around. When she stops to rest, Daniel comes up with a new sitting-down game so everyone can still play.
“Daniel and Max Play at the Playground” – Daniel feels left out at the playground when there’s no room for him to play with Katerina and Max at the xylophone. Max’s big sister, Amira, helps them find a way for everyone to play.
Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum “I am Temple Grandin”
Premiering Monday, 5 April on PBS KIDS, Temple Grandin helps Yadina make friends with a new boy at school, by showing her how great it is that people think and do things differently.