Here’s an interesting idea: a new TV show for children that’s making its debut not on your actual tellybox, but as an iPad app. The show is called Flummox and Friends, and its app is FlummoxVision.

Released by developer Flummox Labs, it’s pitched as an “offbeat, live-action comedy that works to help kids navigate the social and emotional world”, with a scientific theme.

The plot focuses on Professor Gideon T. Flummox and his fellow inventors, who are trying to get to the bottom of what makes humans tick.

Flummox says its show has been developed with the help of social communication experts with a focus on children who are “experiencing social and emotional struggles, including kids with attention or sensory challenges, kids with an autism diagnosis, and kids considered ‘bright but quirky’.”

The show will be presented in episodes, with the first 24-minute one available now, and more to come. It’s easy to use – children will be able to watch unaided – with subtitles and discussion prompts included. The app is aimed at 6-12 year-olds, and has been launched with perfect timing for Autism Awareness Month.

“We’re excited about what this means for viewers and for independent creators who are making shows for underserved audiences,” says co-founder Christa Dahlstrom, whose own son has a mild form of autism – this was one of the spurs for the creation of FlummoxVision. “We want Flummox and Friends to be part of the first wave of ‘iPad-native kids’ shows.”

FlummoxVision is a free download for iPad from Apple’s App Store, which includes the pilot episode of the show. For now, there’s also an alternative ‘short’ episode available as a £1.99 in-app purchase.

Read about more TV show apps for kids on Apps Playground, and check out our 100 Best iPad Apps of 2013 e-book – £1.99 from Apple’s iBooks Store