I know what you mean.
There’s a difference between 1: here’s a person with a mental issue; here’s how she works. Here’s how to be patient and help her fit in. And 2: let’s patronize the hell out of this poor widdle victim.
I don’t think there is a way in a 2 minute segment to introduce kids to autism or help children under 6 know how to help a child with autism fit in. Pointless for that age group. And no one else watches Sesame Street.
It is extremely hard to help a 5 year old with autism understand that the way he perceives the world is any different from the other kids.
So this is feel good for parents ONLY. It won’t do crap for kids of that age. Nor is there anything you can do for preschoolers to help them deal with differences, EXCEPT telling them that some kids have a harder time [whatever - listening, seeing, sitting still, speaking] than other kids. Which works for kids with ADHD, blindness, speech issues, whatever. Kids that young cannot differentiate “autism” as a thing. Kids won’t have much patience yet anyway. They will try to play with a child, and if it doesn’t work (because their interests diverge, or autism, or anything, really), they move on.
It’s a silly feel good tactic.
They do well with little, simple, preschool issues like going potty and stopping the pacifier and such.
Why don’t you give a show a shot first, ace.
Should be shown in a positive light but not in a lie.