Best Cartoons for Autistic children

A Guide to Best Cartoons for Autistic Children: My Thoughts and Recommendations

Hi there, and welcome!

If you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver to an autistic child, this post is for you.

Let us talk about something simple yet impactful: Best Cartoons for Autistic Children.

Yes, cartoons!

They can be more than just entertainment; the right ones can help with social skills, speech development, and even understanding emotions.

As someone with personal experience navigating autism in the family, I want to share a list of best cartoons for autistic children that work wonders for kids with autism – plus some tips and a dose of my own story.

Importance of Best Cartoons for Autistic children

In an age where there is such a huge amount of choice on what we want to watch when it comes to sitting on the sofa in front of the TV. We must also be careful.

TV is a huge part of every household.

I will be honest with you and tell you that initially we did not have a TV in our house until my child was around 3 and half years old.

I thought it was best that they learnt through play, being outside and socializing with others.

I have written a post on the best sensory toys for autistic children. You can read that post here here…

HOWEVER,

I actually came to learn that it is NOT enough in this day and age.

Choosing the best cartoons for autistic children to watch can help speed up their social and language development.

As well as be able to get involved in conversations about cartoons with their peers at school.

Calm and Well Mannered Best Cartoons for Autistic Children

Choosing the best cartoons for Autistic children is very important because, like my autistic child most autistic children learn by copying what they see.

For example.

• You hear a loud noise. You run away. Not stand still or look around to explore.
• If you see someone creepy you do not follow them.
• If something happens you tell an adult.
• Or how you should respond if someone picks on you or hurts you.

All of this good stuff is taught through parents, TV and peer play.

For a young child who is not old enough to attend kindergarten or school yet. These lessons are extremely important to learn.

My Favorite Best Cartoons for Autistic Kids

Here is a mix of old and new best cartoons for autistic children that I have found useful. Each one brings something special to the table.

1. Peppa Pig – One of the Best Cartoons for Autistic Children

Peppa is a classic!

• • Why it works: It is slow paced, simple, and family-focused. The characters use clear speech and polite language, making it easier for kids to follow and learn. Also they are very family oriented and are very kind and friendly towards each other.
  • Pro Tip: Watch it at the end of the day to wind down – no loud noises or bright flashes here!

This is a nice and calm one.

This is one of the best cartoons for autistic children and it can really help them develop their speech and social skills.

2. Paw Patrol

This one is much more fast paced than Peppa Pig. If your child loves action and teamwork, this is a gem.

• Why it works: Teaches problem solving, helping others, and confidence in your unique abilities. Every pup has a job, and they all contribute to their community. They show you, that you should be helpful. And to help your friends and others in need.
• Bonus: It is fast paced but still calm enough for kids to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. Also it teaches a child to be patient and kind and to understand that everyone plays a role in society. Even when they are different from each other.

3. Tom and Jerry

This one might surprise you!

• • Why it works: It shows playful teasing and its consequences important lessons for sibling relationships or friendships.
  • Tip: Use moderation! The humor is a bit slapstick, so I waited until my child was older to introduce this.

Now, before you bite my head off.

Tom and Jerry is a little naughty. I know!

But!

My Autistic child also has a younger sibling. And they do tease each other.

Tom and Jerry have a very love/hate relationship.

They band together and work together sometimes and help each other out.

Then they also fight and tease each other.

I think it is extremely reflective of what a sibling relationship looks like.

Also my younger child finds some scenes absolutely hilarious and will laugh out loud. My Autistic child watches their sibling do this intently. They then also laugh when there is a joke on the show!

4. CoComelon

A favorite for younger kids.

• • Why it works: The songs and rhymes teach everything from the alphabet to social skills like taking turns and working as a team.
  • Bonus: The educational themes make learning fun, especially for kids who love numbers or patterns.

I love CoComelon for my children.

They learn a lot and enjoy themselves also whilst watching it.

It is faster paced than Peppa Pig – however, slower paced than Paw Patrol.

From eating your veggies to trying to go on the potty. What’s not to like?

It encourages playing together and taking turns as well as working together as a team.

More and more I find my child singing their songs and developing words that they hear from cocomelon, as well as trying to copy words they do not know yet.

Also they encourage counting and make mathematics a fun game to play.

My Autistic child really likes math and enjoys the way CoComelon teaches and plays with the numbers.

6. Art Attack

Not a cartoon, but an old-school creative show that I adore.

• • Why it works: It encourages hands on creativity with simple materials. Perfect for calming a nervous or overstimulated child.
  • Tip: Watch an episode together, then dive into an art project. It is a fun way to bond!

This a show from the early 2000’s and so it is not a cartoon.

However, I wanted to add this in here.

This is a very creative show that teaches children how to create with very simple and cheap materials.

It can keep them busy for hours.

It gives fun projects to do and it is a very calm and slow paced show.

7. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – One of The Best Cartoons for Autistic Children

This modern spin-off of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is a big hit with kids and parents alike.

• Why it works: Daniel Tiger focuses on emotions, routines, and life skills. The episodes are slow-paced, with simple songs that help kids process emotions and daily tasks like potty training, sharing, or going to the doctor.
• Bonus: The repetitive, sing-songy nature is soothing and reinforces key lessons.

8. Sarah & Duck – Another One of The Best Cartoons for Autistic Children

This adorable British cartoon is a quiet, whimsical series that follows a curious little girl, Sarah, and her pet duck.

• Why it works: It is gentle, imaginative, and encourages curiosity and problem solving. The dialogue is slow and clear, which helps with language development.
• Pro Tip: Its quirky humor and calm tone make it ideal for unwinding after a busy day.

9. Octonauts

This ocean themed adventure show combines teamwork, exploration, and a splash of marine biology!

• Why it works: The characters model teamwork and problem solving while teaching about sea creatures and their habitats. It is educational without feeling overwhelming, and the visuals are colorful but not overstimulating.
• Bonus: If your child loves animals or underwater themes, this is a winner.

10. Franklin the Turtle

This classic series follows Franklin, a thoughtful turtle, as he learns about friendship, honesty, and responsibility.

• Why it works: It is slow paced and focuses on problem solving and understanding emotions. Franklin’s world is simple and relatable, which makes it easier for autistic kids to connect with.
• Tip: Franklin’s gentle tone and predictable story lines make it perfect for younger kids or those who thrive on consistency.

Best Cartoons for Autistic Children That I Loved Growing Up

Growing up in Denmark in the 90’s, I watched a show called Bamse og Kylling (“Bear and Chicken”).

It was about two best friends navigating friendship, teamwork, and making up after fights. If you know of a similar English show, let me know – I’d love to hear about it!

I would also binge on Tom and Jerry, Mr bean and Powerpuff girls!

What to Avoid (Not Some of The Best Cartoons for Autistic Children)

Not all shows are helpful, and some can even be harmful:

• Disney Movies/Shows: While magical, they often portray unrealistic fairy tales. Autistic children might struggle to separate fantasy from reality, leading to confusion or unrealistic expectations. What we do not want is to end up with a child completely out of reality or having a very naive version of how the world works. Naive is not good and especially not for Autistic children. It can lead to very serious mental breakdowns when the reality of life hits them. Or they get seriously taken advantage of. As much as we want to protect our children, we do not want them to live in a bubble with no coping mechanism or understanding of what goes on in the world.
• Overstimulating Cartoons: Shows with rapid scene changes, loud noises, or flashing colors can overwhelm autistic kids.
• Naughty Behavior Shows: Kids with autism tend to mimic what they see, so avoid shows with disrespectful or harmful behavior. Autistic children will mimic the things that they see around them. Whether good or bad. Some shows normalise bad behaviour. It can prevent them from making friends or integrating into society properly.I really recommend parents watch any cartoons first and then allow their children to watch it. Same with movies!

Personal Advice on The Best Cartoons for Autistic Children

As a mom, I will admit sometimes TV feels like a lifesaver when you just need a moment of peace. And that is okay! But here is what I remind myself:

1. Balance Is Key: Too much TV can stifle creativity and imagination. Mix in reading or hands on activities to develop their minds.
2. Pre-Screen Content: Watch episodes first to make sure they align with your child’s needs and that you can find the best cartoons for autistic children that you like.
3. Be Present: Whenever possible, watch together. It is a great way to reinforce positive lessons.

Remember, the goal is not perfection. Finding the best cartoons for autistic children is progress.

And you have got this!

While showing the best cartoons for autistic children and also keeping them a little occupied while I do all the other important jobs that we need to get done. It is important that your TV does not raise your child.

It does nothing for their creative side. Unless you bring in shows like Art Attack once in a while. That is why I included it in this list of the best cartoons for autistic children.

But it does not develop their imagination.

Reading develops imagination!

TV really does not.

Whether it is bad for the eyes and ruins the eyesight. I do not know!

What I do know is that as a full time mum, sometimes I need the TV for my kids so that I can have a minute to prepare dinner or take a shower!

But I try to keep conscious of the fact that too much of a good thing is bad!

A highly recommended book that strikes a balanced and thoughtful approach to discussing the role of TV and screens in children’s lives is “Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World” by Devorah Heitner.

The book does not demonize screens or glorify them but instead helps parents navigate a middle ground. It emphasizes using screens, including TV, as tools for learning and entertainment without letting them take over.

It offers actionable strategies for setting boundaries, choosing quality content such as the best cartoons for autistic children, and fostering healthy habits around screen use.