As part of a nationwide initiative to shatter stereotypes associated with autism, Sesame Street launched on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the new muppet Julia, the show's first character with autism.
Dubbed "Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children," the move is dedicated to children who are 2 years old to 5 years old.
The initiative also includes a downloadable app that offers videos and digital storybooks for families, groups and children diagnosed with autism.
"Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied," said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop's senior vice president for Community and Family Engagement. Given how one in 68 children has autism, the rate of bullying is too significant to ignore.
Betancourt said the objective is to highlight the similarities of children, rather than their differences. Children with autism also love to play, make friends and belong to a social circle.
The app and videos demonstrate the experience of a child with autism through the example of Julia.
By seeing from a child's point of view certain behaviors, such as creating noise and slapping the hands, as expressions of emotions, young kids can learn the best way to relate with friends who have autism. Children can become more at ease and inclusive, the team believes.
"This is what makes our project so unique," commented Betancourt.
Sherrie Westin, executive vice president for Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop, said families with children diagnosed with autism often turn to digital means. For this reason, the team created Julia in digital form, giving wider access and highlighting the discussion on autism better.
"We want parents and children to understand that autism isn't an uncomfortable topic," she said.
In the story cards, Julia can be seen explaining to her friends how she likes to play a bit differently from them.
The producers worked on the project for three years.
Betancourt said they are trying to raise awareness about the autism spectrum, as well as teach concepts of love and acceptance among all children.
