WATERTOWN, NY (March 30, 2023) – WPBS marks World Autism Day on April 2nd, 2023 with two returning documentaries – In a Different Key and Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the Arts. WPBS continues to celebrate National Autism Acceptance Month throughout the month of April with special PBS KIDS programming – featuring unique characters on the autism spectrum and highlighting their differences while also teaching kids the importance of acceptance.
SUNDAY, APRIL 2nd
In a Different Key (12:00 noon) A mother tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man living in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money and privilege – but leads to hope that more communities are learning to have the backs of people on the spectrum.
Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the Arts (2:00 pm) A close look at creative therapies and art programs which young people on the autism spectrum are utilizing to reach their highest potential. The film provides a platform for youths with autism to speak frankly about their challenges and their dreams; and to showcase their talents which include dancing, singing, painting and animated filmmaking. Interwoven are interviews with experts in the field, some of whom are also on the spectrum such as autism role models, Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Stephen Shore, who offer their frank and moving insight.
MONDAY, APRIL 3rd
Daniel Tiger | Daniel Meets A New Friend/A New Friend at the Clock Factory (9:00 am) Daniel meets a new friend, Max, who is autistic. Daniel learns what he can do when Max needs more time to get comfortable and more space to play in his own way. 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.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6th
Sesame Street | Horsing Around (10:00 am) – ALL NEW
SUNDAY, APRIL 16th
Hero Elementary | Heroes in Space, Part 1 & Part 2 (8:00 am) Sara is excited to celebrate the (full) moon viewing with her hero friends, but they notice that half the moon seems to be ‘gone!’ On a mission to find the other half of the moon and save the festival, Sparks’ Crew flies to the moon to investigate.
Arthur | The Election/Francine Goes to War (10:00 am) ‘I, Muffy Crosswire, do solemnly swear to uphold the office of the President of the United …’ Actually, it’s only a mock election in Mr. Ratburn’s class, but Muffy takes it just as seriously. How far will she go to win? Francine can’t believe it. She gets in trouble no matter what she does – thanks to the new nosy next-door neighbor! Will Francine get to play her drums or fight with her sister again?
TUESDAY, APRIL 18TH
Daniel Tiger | Daniel Meets A New Friend/A New Friend at the Clock Factory (9:00 am) Daniel meets a new friend, Max, who is autistic. Daniel learns what he can do when Max needs more time to get comfortable and more space to play in his own way. 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.
Special Events
In addition to special programming in April, WPBS will present a free community screening of POV‘s Neurotypical on April 10th, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Flower Memorial Library in Watertown, NY. Following the screening, Jennifer Sibley of NRCIL will lead a community discussion. Neurotypical, directed by Adam Larsen, takes an unprecedented exploration of autism from the point of view of autistic people themselves; a 4 year old, a teenager and an adult.
WPBS will also be participating as a Scavenger Hunt Station at Blue at the Zoo with Encompass Recreation on April 23, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Encompass Recreation partners with Route 30 Spray Foam + Be Kind For Kyle to celebrate Autism Acceptance month at Zoo New York. While this event is free, donations are accepted and proceeds will go towards keeping Encompass Recreation events free to exceptional children.
Find more information on these events and more at www.wpbstv.org/events.
About WPBS
WPBS is a PBS station serving approximately 650,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario via cable, satellite, Internet and over-the-air distribution. WPBS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, inform, and engage its two-nation region with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. Its vision is to be the premier provider of extraordinary public media that instills wonder and curiosity across generations and borders. More information about WPBS, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
