Sesame Street introduces a new character with Autism

Our friends at the Erikson Institute's TEC Center (see http://teccenter.erikson.edu/tec/sesame-street-introduces-a-new-character-with-autism/) recently posted news that's music to our ears: Sesame Street has a new resident: Julia, a girl with Autism.

"We were thrilled to meet Julia, a new Sesame Street character with autism this week, and to explore the resources Sesame Workshop has created for families. There are daily routine cards with familiar Sesame Street characters, family testimonial stories, and so much more for families and educators to check out. Our favorite feature might be Benny’s Story, created by teens and adults with autism from the organization Exceptional Minds Studio, which explains what it feels like for some children who have autism.

From NPR:

The muppet Julia has not yet made her TV debut, but the wide-eyed little girl with a big smile is the star of her own “digital storybook” called “We’re Amazing, 1,2,3.”

For over a year now, Sesame Street has been working with organizations such as Autism Speaks and Autism Self Advocacy to help reduce the stigma associated with autism spectrum disorder. As part of the campaign “See Amazing in All Children,” the adorable muppet Abby Cadabby explains in one YouTube video, “Lots of kids have autism and that just means their brains work a little differently.”

Interested in learning more about technology and children with developmental differences? Tamara Kaldor, TEC Center Program Coordinator, specializes in using and designing learning and playing opportunities to support children to be included in their home, schools and communities. You can reach her at: tkaldor at erikson.edu

Note (updated October 13, 2020): A Helpful Online Safety Guide for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders