Bluebee TeeVee Autism Information Station

Explaining Autism to Kids in an Empowering Way

 

Bluebee TeeVee, The Autism Information Station, is a series of 8 webisodes to empower autistic children and educate their peers about autism. Think Schoolhouse Rock meets Blue’s Clues meets Mister Rogers Neighborhood in a quirky blend of educational entertainment. Episodes focus on friendship, bullying, communication, safety and other important autism-related topics. Best of all, the series is being written, performed, filmed and edited by two young men on the autism spectrum.

This series was originally produced for Geek Club Books from 2015 through 2021. After Geek Club Books closed their nonprofit in 2021, Autism Empowerment was delighted to help keep the content online. As of 2022, Autism Empowerment is now managing the Bluebee TeeVee YouTube channel where you can see all past episodes. The final episode in the current series, Episode 8 was added in April 2022 and can be seen below. 


 

We also went behind the scenes with host James Sullivan in the  Summer 2022 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine to learn about the making of the series and see how it is still relevant to youth in our community today. Read our interview on pages 29 – 31 or read our interview with James here.

If you’re looking for a way to explain autism to kids, we invite you to check out Bluebee TeeVee, the Autism Information Station. The short 5 – 7 minute videos talk about autism in a friendly, age-appropriate yet clinically correct manner using pop culture and humor to keep kids engaged. These autism information videos are an easy and approachable way to talk to children about autism and help them see past differences, learn acceptance and understanding, and discover that we’re all pretty much the same at heart.

 About the Creators:

The show’s host, James Sullivan is also the scriptwriter, filmmaker, and editor. Jonathan Murphy is a professional voice actor who performs the character voices for the Bluebee Pal co-hosts. Both of these talented men are on the autism spectrum. They have been named “Changemakers” by the San Francisco Bay Area community libraries for their entertaining, educational advocacy. Their portraits are a part of a traveling exhibit to highlight those who are making an impact for the disability community.

Episode 1: What is Autism?

What is autism anyway? Autism is a condition that affects the way a person’s brain works. It is not a disease and there is no “cure” for autism because it’s just a different way of thinking and behaving.

In Episode 1 of Bluebee TeeVee, host James Sullivan and his Bluebee Pal, Leo, explain autism to children by having a chat about what autism is and what it means to be someone on the autism spectrum. “It’s a world of abilities…and possibilities,” says Leo…and we couldn’t agree more! 

  • Watch on YouTube (Produced in 2015, so prevalence rates have changed since that time.)

 

Episode 2: What are People with Autism Like?

What are kids with autism like? In Episode 2 of Bluebee TeeVee, host James Sullivan tells his Bluebee Pal, Lily, “We’re just like everyone else in so many ways but there are some interesting differences.” Lily learns a whole new view and understanding of people with autism. She thinks “They’re awesome!” Yep, she’s got that right!

 

Episode 3: How Do People with Autism Communicate?

There are many ways that kids with autism communicate. Although some people can speak or v You see, some people with autism can’t speak but they can still be heard and understood. In Episode 3 of Bluebee TeeVee, host James Sullivan talks to his Bluebee Pal, Riley, about some of the ways nonspeaking autistic people communicate using Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Examples include using picture boards, apps on phones, tablets and computers, and sign language.

Episode 4: How to Be a Friend

How can you be a good friend to a kid with autism? In Episode 4 of Bluebee TeeVee, host James Sullivan puts his Bluebee Pal, Hudson, to the test in “The Friendship Game!” Watch this webisode to discover Hudson’s answers and you’ll learn all about autism, friendship, and why it’s awesome to have an autistic friend!

 

Episode 5: Are Kids with Autism Bullied?

Nearly 70 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience emotional trauma as a result of being bullied. That’s 3 times more likely than their typically developing peers. In Episode 5 of Bluebee TeeVee host James Sullivan and his Bluebee Pal co-host, Sammy, talk to kids about bullying and cyber-bullying. They learn how to take action and where to find help.

 

Episode 6: What does Acceptance Mean?

It means that you are okay just the way you are. When someone accepts us, we can be ourselves without fear of being made fun of or being rejected. It helps you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. In this episode of Bluebee TeeVee, James and Leo talk about how accepting people on the autism spectrum is a choice you can make today that will have a positive impact.

 

Episode 7: What WE Want YOU to Know!

What do autistic people want Kids to know? “We ALL belong!” In this episode, James introduces Parker (and the audience) to 5 awesome autistic creatives who have important messages for neurodiverse and neurotypical kids about their abilities, dreams, friendship, and self- and peer-acceptance.

 

In this episode, James and the Bluebee Pals talk about autism in various forms of media. James introduces the concept of representation and gives examples of the many different ways that people on the autism spectrum are represented in movies, television, and the comics today.

 

last updated 10/23/23