Just a couple of months ago, my little one was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. I’m still figuring out this whole autism parent gig. My kid is level 1, bright academically, yet shows some behaviors that are a bit different from the typical spectrum profile.
When my partner and I received the diagnosis, we had a flurry of questions for the doctor about when and how to talk to him about it. Should we tell him right away? Is it something to celebrate with a cake? “Happy Diagnosis Day, you have autism!”
In the end, we decided to wait. We keep the lines of communication open, discussing his strengths, challenges, and how he sometimes differs from his peers. As he grows and starts to ask questions, we’ll find the right moment to share. That could be years away or just next week—it’s all about when he’s ready to hear it.
So, when I heard Sesame Street was introducing a Muppet character with autism, I was thrilled! Representation matters, and when the time comes for my son to learn about his autism, he’ll already have a glimpse of it from one of his favorite shows. I quickly dove into some clips featuring Julia, and I couldn’t help but spot the similarities and differences between her and my son.
One key aspect of Julia is that she’s a girl—an important note since autism is often seen as a boy’s disorder, with girls frequently underdiagnosed. This happens for various reasons, including the fact that girls may exhibit different behaviors and are often better at masking their challenges by conforming to social norms, even if they don’t fully grasp them.
It’s also important to recognize that autism exists on a broad spectrum. As I’ve learned more, a phrase that resonates with many parents and professionals is: “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.”
I mention this because while my son will see Julia and eventually understand that he shares her autism, I doubt he will feel that he truly reflects her character. And honestly, that’s completely fine. It’s unrealistic for any show to encompass the myriad of experiences that children with autism face. I don’t think Julia will resonate with every autistic child, and that’s okay.
Just the other day, I was in my car, listening to a segment about Julia on the radio. I felt my chest tighten and tears well up—not out of sadness or concern for my son—but for other kids. I thought about neurotypical children who will see a character with autism before they even learn to walk or talk. For kids without an autistic family member or classmate, Julia introduces the concept of neurodiversity early on.
My son struggles to connect with friends at preschool because many kids don’t understand his behaviors. They’re not unkind, but they just don’t know how to interact with him. They might not realize that he can’t handle loud noises or that they need to ask him to play a few times before he notices. They sometimes find his scripted speech and solitary play odd.
By watching Julia interact with Abby, Elmo, Big Bird, and others on Sesame Street, neurotypical children can gain insight into how autistic children might behave. When they meet an autistic classmate or playground buddy, they may be more understanding and inclusive simply because they’ve met Julia already.
So, thank you, Sesame Street! Your efforts are appreciated.
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Summary:
Sesame Street’s introduction of Julia, a Muppet with autism, offers representation and awareness about neurodiversity. While not every child on the spectrum will see themselves in Julia, her presence is a step towards fostering understanding among neurotypical peers, which could lead to more inclusive interactions.