Daniel's New Friend Max / New Friend at the Clock Factory
From Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood · 2024
Summary
Daniel meets Max, a new friend who is autistic and communicates and plays differently. The episode models curiosity over confusion: Daniel asks questions, finds common interests, and learns that different ways of being are just that — different, not less. 'New Friend at the Clock Factory' extends the same theme in a new setting. A standout episode for building inclusive classroom culture. ASL-captioned version on YouTube.
Viewer safety
Episode introduces an autistic character, Max, with affirming, respectful representation — no content concerns.
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
This episode is a gentle, affirming entry point for conversations about neurodiversity.
- What did Daniel notice that was different about Max?
- How did Daniel show kindness when he felt confused?
- What did Daniel and Max have in common?
- What's one way someone you know is different from you — and one way you are the same?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: friend, different, same, communicate, kind, curious.
Try it: With a partner, find two things that are the same about you and one thing that is different. Share with the class.