Sesame Street introduces character with autism

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Sesame Street is well-known for bridging cultural and socio-economic divides, and over 40 years since its inception, the much-loved children’s program has continually tried to raise the bar.

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the television program, has introduced a new character as part of its program Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.

The new character, Julia, will live on a digital app, geared toward helping parents and children with autism communicate through story cards, reports CNN. The app, available on both mobile devices and desktops, will include resources to help friends and family of those children living with autism.

The app also includes a digital storybook, in which Elmo explains to another friend that Julia plays differently.

“Elmo’s daddy told Elmo that Julia has autism,” he says, according to CNN. “So she does things a little differently. Sometimes Elmo talks to Julia using fewer words and says the same thing a few times.”

Aimed at breaking down the stigma associated with autism, and encouraging awareness and public knowledge, the initiative is intended for children between the ages of two and five.

“Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of community and family engagements at Sesame Workshop, to People magazine.

“Children with autism share in the joy of playing and loving and being friends and being part of a group.”

About 1 in 68 children living in the United States have been identified as living with autism spectrum disorder, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The program has been in the works for three years, and includes other methods to increase awareness, such as The Amazing Song.