Every child experiences the world differently. And all children have something to contribute - unique perspectives and talents that help make the world a richer and more interesting place. Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children is an initiative dedicated to showing that all children.
The initiative introduced Julia, an illustrated friend of Elmo and Abby who has autism. In the initiative's digital storybook, We're Amazing, 1, 2, 3!, Julia is used to demonstrate some common characteristics people on the autism spectrum might have. The title was followed by Family Forever and Circle of Friends.
Four years ago, Sesame Street introduced Julia, its first new Muppet in 10 years. At first only in an online picture book, and later the show itself, the character, an autistic 4. Although boys with autism or autism spectrum disorders, collectively termed ASD, outnumber girls about 4.5 to one, it was decided, after much debate, that the Sesame character would be a girl.
The makers of "Sesame Street" say Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Grover are getting a new friend with autism as part of an effort to reduce stigma and help those on the spectrum learn life skills. Sesame Workshop said Wednesday that it is introducing a new character named Julia, a preschool girl with autism who "does things a little differently when playing with her friends." Julia is part of. Every April, during Autism Awareness Month, Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit org behind Sesame Street) builds on their " See Amazing in All Children " initiative.
This year, the program is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but if you haven't been plugged into their programming, we'll catch you up to speed. An online storybook introduces Julia, a new character with autism who spends the day with Elmo and Abby, enjoying the same things although she sometimes behaves differently. Among the animated and live-action videos available, one features three Latina sisters, the youngest of whom has autism.
Sesame Street's new character, Julia (center) who has autism, with Abby and Elmo. For now, Julia will appear only in materials associated with the autism initiative, not in the broadcast program. Joining Abby Cadabby and Elmo on "Sesame Street" is Julia, a green-eyed, orange.
The effort includes a free iPad app, instructional cards and digital and printed storybooks featuring "Sesame Street" Muppets Elmo and Abby Cadabby and a new character named Julia who has autism. A social media campaign using the hashtag #seeamazing will encourage parents to share stories about their children's abilities.