Royal Caribbean TV will introduce Autism Channel programmingRoyal Caribbean TV will introduce Autism Channel programming

The Autism Channel is a streaming television service providing information and resources to families and professionals supporting and improving the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders. Educational and entertainment programming ranges from a look inside the daily lives of several families with children on the spectrum to interviews with medical and legal professionals.

'The Autism Channel is delighted that Royal Caribbean has chosen to make this valuable content available on many Royal Caribbean ships. For every one person on the autism spectrum there are six more persons directly impacted by that person,' said Jeffrey A. Kasky, president, The Autism Channel.

He said free access to The Autism Channel’s content will benefit many Royal Caribbean passengers and bring more awareness of autism.

Some of the programs available for viewing are 'I Am Autistic with Daniel Heinlein,' who was diagnosed with Asperger's as a teenager. He talks about autism with doctors, researchers and others on the spectrum. In 'Dr. Judy,' a board-certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician, Judith Aranson-Ramos, discusses early diagnosis and treatment.

Among the other shows are a therapy dog's journey from selection through life as a working dog; a mockumentary about the life and times of Rocket, an on-the-spectrum filmmaker and his family; and a cooking show featuring gluten- and casein-free recipes.

Free on-demand access to The Autism Channel will be available in all staterooms on Quantum-, Oasis-, Freedom-, Voyager- and Radiance-class ships on LED flat-panel interactive televisions. Programming initially will be offered in English as well as closed captioned for travelers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

In February 2014, Royal Caribbean International was the first cruise line to become certified 'autism friendly' by Autism on the Seas, a leading travel organization catering to vacationers with autism and other developmental disabilities.