TL;DR
Media representation for neurodivergent (ND) kids has leveled up. We’re moving past the "token character who is good at math" trope and into stories where ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia are just part of a character's everyday life.
Top Picks:
- For the Littles: Bluey (Jack), Carl the Collector, and Sesame Street (Julia).
- For Big Kids: Percy Jackson & The Olympians, The Owl House, and A Kind of Spark.
- For Graphic Novel Fans: El Deafo.
We’ve all been there: you’re watching a show with your kid, and a character pops up who is clearly "different." In the old days (aka the 90s and early 2000s), that character was usually a walking PSA. They were there to teach the "normal" kids a lesson about kindness, or they had some bizarre "Rain Man" superpower. It felt forced, a little cringey, and honestly, pretty boring.
Fast forward to 2025. Our kids are living in a world where "neurospicy" is a common term on TikTok, and being "weird" is often coded as "Ohio" (meaning strange or cringe) by the playground crowd, but the media they consume is actually getting better at explaining the "why" behind the "weird."
We’re finally seeing characters who are neurodivergent—meaning their brains are wired differently, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more—whose entire personality isn't just their diagnosis. They get to go on adventures, have friendships, and mess up just like everyone else.
If your kid is neurodivergent, seeing someone like Jack from Bluey struggle to sit still isn't just "relatable"—it’s a lifeline. It tells them they aren't broken; they’re just a Jack in a world built for Rustys.
But if your kid is neurotypical? This stuff is arguably just as important. It builds empathy before they even realize they’re learning it. Instead of seeing the kid in class who wears noise-canceling headphones as "the weird kid," they see them as "oh, like Carl from that show." It replaces judgment with context.
Ask our chatbot about how to explain neurodiversity to a 6-year-old
If you haven't seen the episode "Army," stop what you're doing and go watch it. It introduces Jack, a Jack Russell Terrier who "can't sit still or remember instructions." It’s the most honest, low-key depiction of ADHD I’ve ever seen in kids' media. Jack isn't "cured" by the end; he just finds a friend (Rusty) who plays in a way that works with Jack's brain. It’s perfection.
This is a newer entry from PBS Kids, and it’s a heavy hitter. Carl is an autistic raccoon who loves collecting things. What makes this show great is that it was created by an autistic author (Zachariah OHora) and features a production team with neurodivergent writers and advisors. It doesn't feel like a lecture; it feels like a group of friends navigating social cues and sensory needs.
We can't talk about this without mentioning Julia. She was a pioneer. Sesame Street did the work to make sure Julia’s flapping (stimming) and her sensitivity to noise were portrayed as just part of who she is. She’s been around for a while now, and she remains a gold standard for early childhood education on autism.
Max is a recurring character who is autistic. He’s sensitive to loud noises and sometimes needs a "quiet space." The show does a great job of showing how the other characters can adapt to make Max feel comfortable, rather than Max having to mask his needs to fit in.
Rick Riordan is the MVP here. He originally wrote the Percy Jackson series for his son, who had ADHD and Dyslexia. In the world of the books (and the Disney+ show), those traits are actually signs that you’re a demigod. Your brain is "hard-wired for ancient Greek" (Dyslexia) and your "battle reflexes" make you unable to sit still in a classroom (ADHD). It’s the ultimate "reframe" for kids who feel like their brains are working against them.
Luz Noceda is a chaotic, creative, and incredibly relatable protagonist. While it’s not explicitly stated in every episode, the creator has confirmed Luz is GNC and has ADHD traits. She’s the poster child for the "gifted and talented but can't find her homework" pipeline. It’s a fantastic show about finding your "found family" when the traditional world (like school) doesn't quite get you.
This started as a book by Elle McNicoll (who is neurodivergent herself) and was adapted into a live-action series. It follows Addie, an autistic girl who becomes obsessed with the history of witch trials in her Scottish town. It’s a bit more "real" and deals with the social friction of being ND in middle school. It’s brilliant, heart-wrenching, and empowering.
If your kids are into gaming, keep an eye on how indie developers are building characters. While many big-budget games still rely on "brain rot" mechanics to keep kids hooked, some narrative-driven games are starting to include neurodivergent protagonists who use their unique perspectives to solve puzzles.
Check out our guide on cozy games for neurodivergent kids
Not all representation is good. Sometimes, a show will include a neurodivergent character but treat them as a burden or a "problem" for the main character to solve. Here’s what to look out for:
- The "Cure" Narrative: If a story ends with a character "becoming normal" or losing their ND traits to be happy, that’s a red flag.
- The Savant Trope: If the character is only valuable because they are a "human calculator" or have a "superpower," it dehumanizes them. ND kids deserve to be "average" and still be loved.
- The "Inspiration Porn" Factor: If the character only exists to make the neurotypical protagonist look like a saint for being their friend, it’s not real representation. It’s a prop.
You don't need to have a formal sit-down "Today we are learning about the DSM-5" talk. Just wait for a moment in a show.
- When watching Bluey: "Hey, did you notice how Jack was having a hard time sitting still? Sometimes people’s brains just want to move more than others. What do you do when you feel like you have too much energy?"
- When watching Percy Jackson: "I love how Percy’s 'disabilities' are actually what make him a great hero. Everyone has things that are hard for them, but sometimes those same things are our biggest strengths."
- When they see "cringe" content: Kids love to label anything different as "Ohio" or "weird." Use these characters to pivot. "It’s not 'Ohio,' it’s just how his brain processes noise. Remember Julia from Sesame Street?"
Ask our chatbot for conversation starters about neurodiversity
We are moving into an era of "Casual Representation." We don't need every show to be about autism; we just need shows to include autistic people.
When our kids see Carl the Collector or Percy Jackson, they aren't just watching TV. They’re learning that the world is big, humans are diverse, and "weird" is usually just another word for "interesting."
If you’re worried about "brain rot," steer them toward these shows. They have heart, they have depth, and they might just help your kid become a kinder, more observant human.
Next Steps:
- Add Bluey (Season 2, Episode 16, "Army") to your watchlist.
- Check out A Kind of Spark if you have a middle schooler.
- Take the Screenwise survey to see how your family’s media diet compares to your community