As a parent of a child with special needs, there have been many times when we’ve felt alone. I often found myself escaping into social media, television, and series. Unplugging from “mom life” and plugging into popular media has helped me relax countless times. But when my son started watching television, I began noticing something important, the need for representation. I started intentionally looking for it more often.
What I didn’t realize was that over the years, I had already been watching shows that were slowly introducing more representation, even if only in small waves.
Back in 2012, I got hooked on The Real Housewives, and that was my first encounter with autism on television. Jacqueline Laurita shared her son Nicholas’s diagnosis that year, and fast-forward eleven years later, I remembered her story. I decided to check her social media to see how they were doing and their progress was incredible.
I’ve also always enjoyed a good competition show. On The Amazing Race, contestants like Luke, who is deaf and fluent in sign language, competed alongside his mom Margie in 2009, 2011, and 2014. Over the years, the show has featured racers who are deaf, have dwarfism, autism, and amputees. Seeing that kind of inclusion on a global stage made a big impact.
Then came Christmas 2023 — and with it, my son’s first iPad. He started watching shows during our long road trips, family events, and as a well-earned reward. Aware of the dangers of apps like YouTube Kids, I turned to PBS Kids, where I found so much heart and diversity. Shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Hero Elementary, and Carl the Collector all include characters with disabilities.
Slowly but surely, representation for children with disabilities is growing, and it matters. As a mom, my advice to you is to look for that representation in whatever genre you and your family enjoy. It’s out there, and you’ll love the connection it brings.
