The iconic children's show "Sesame Street" has debuted its first ever character with autism, Julia!
Julia is not only bringing awareness to the idea that everyone is different in his or her own amazing way, but also contributing to a great cause while doing so, according to E! News. Julia is a preschool-aged girl who is friends with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Grover and she will be featured in digital content and storybooks. Sesame Street has partnered with 14 different organizations to share the free resources featuring Julia so they can help distribute them to educators in child care and school programs across the country.
"This project is an extension of the belief we've always promoted: 'we are all different, but all the same,'" Executive Vice President Sherrie Westin said in a statement. "I am passionate about this initiative, and am so proud of the partnerships with the autism community that have led to this."
Their new initiative "Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children" aims at de-stigmatizing autism and it will feature a free app and desktop program with visual elements to help children who have autism, as well as their families, according to Mashable. Within this app will be story cards, which allow Julia to explain what it is that makes her different and unique from her friends and how her friends can positively deal with these differences.
"Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied," Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact Jeanette Betancourt told People. "And with one in 68 children having autism, that's a lot of bullying. Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences. Children with autism share in the joy of playing and loving and being friends and being part of a group."
The app and online videos will explain what it is like having autism from the perspective of Julia. "This is what makes our project so unique," Betancourt continued to say. "When we explain from a child's point of view that there are certain behaviors, such as slapping their hands or making noises, to express excitement or unhappiness, it helps younger children to understand how to interact with their autistic peers. It makes children more comfortable and therefore more inclusive."
As for the reasoning behind a digital platform for Julia, Westin explained to People that, "families with autistic children tend to gravitate toward digital content."
"We want parents and children to understand that autism isn't an uncomfortable topic," she added. "We want to create greater awareness and empathy. Some people don't even know whether they're even supposed to say the word 'autistic.' By opening up a dialogue we are trying to get rid of any discomfort or awkwardness; it's time to increase understanding."
"We are trying to spread the story about the theory behind this whole thing-love and acceptance," Betencourt said, explaining the use of the hashtag #SeeAmazing on social media. "Everyone is touched by autism, and by creating Julia, 'Sesame' is bringing children together."
For more information on the initiative and to meet Julia, click here!
