Sesame Street and Autism

One of the happiest moments for me this week, was news that the awesome people at Sesame street, had introduced a new Muppet named Julia. She is the first Muppet with Autism. And is good friends with Elmo.

Julia is the new face of Sesame Streets awareness program to help EVERYONE to understand all about helping families and children with Autism, as well as understanding that children with Autism are not weird, and reduce the stigma. So teaching people Acceptance.

The creation of Julia was made with the assistance of people with Autism. So Julia will act and talk the way typical children with autism would. It’s a beautiful step in the right direction.

Julia is on the Sesame Street and Autism website. She stars in her own online story, showing some of her amazing quirks and how Abby becomes good friends with Julia.

Sesame Street Producers are currently waiting to hear from the Autism community before bringing Julia to tv.

There are some great videos following children with Autism. All different, all wonderful and honest stories. Everything from a non-verbal child, to a child who flaps with anxiety. Watching all of them I admittedly cried as I could relate with some of these parents and their children.

The videos give some great advice, great help for those with Autism and starting their journey into understanding. And will also assist relatives and friends in understanding the difficulties and skills used to help a child with autism, and how they can support the parents.

IF watching the videos isn’t enough, they also have pinpointed information on ways you can help in different situations. “How to be a good friend,” “What to Say To A Parent of a Child with Autism”

The website also has printable Daily Routine Cards featuring members of Sesame street doing daily things, could be very useful for a child who needs visuals to assist in everyday things.

Lastly if you sign up you can join them in their community conversation online, and talk about your children and share your stories if you wanted to. Not a bad idea for those looking for a support group or just helpful information.

In the end, I think this is a wonderful way to bring awareness, education and understanding all over the world for something that is misunderstood and sometimes even ignored. With the power of information everyone can be included. Everyone can be supported. And it may even bring a little happiness to someone. May just be another Muppet on the screen, but that Muppet means quiet a bit to some of the kids and families out there.

A good step in the right direction.

Go to the Sesame Street and Autism website now and educate yourself, start understanding, and learning more about it.