Just a couple of months ago, my son was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. As a new autism mom, I’m navigating this journey with him. My son is classified as level 1, academically gifted, and demonstrates some unique traits that aren’t always typical for children on the spectrum.
When we received the diagnosis, my husband and I had many questions for our doctor, particularly about how and when to discuss his autism with him. Should we tell him immediately? Should we celebrate it, perhaps with a cake saying “Surprise! You have autism!”? Ultimately, we decided it’s best to wait for the right moment. We openly discuss his strengths and the areas where he’s different from his peers. As he grows and begins to ask questions, we will share the news when he is ready, whether that’s next week or years from now.
When I heard that Sesame Street was introducing a Muppet named Julia, who has autism, I was thrilled. Representation in media is vital, and when the time comes to explain his diagnosis, my son will have an understanding of autism thanks to Julia. I watched several clips of her interactions online and immediately recognized similarities and differences between her and my son.
One significant aspect of Julia’s character is that she is a girl, an important representation since autism is often perceived as more common in boys, leading to underdiagnosis in girls. Factors such as the different ways girls exhibit autism and their ability to blend in with social norms contribute to this issue.
It’s essential to remember that autism exists on a broad spectrum. The phrase I frequently hear in discussions about autism is, “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.” This highlights the individuality within the spectrum. While my son will see Julia and recognize that they share a diagnosis, I doubt he will see himself in her character. I suspect this will be true for many children on the spectrum. This isn’t necessarily negative; it’s unrealistic for any show to encompass the diversity of all children, particularly those with autism.
Recently, while driving, I listened to a radio segment about Julia. My heart swelled, not from sadness or concern for my son’s experience, but for other kids. I thought about neurotypical children who would be introduced to autism through Julia before they can even walk or talk. For children without an autistic sibling or classmate, Julia provides an early glimpse into neurodiversity.
My son has faced challenges in making friends during preschool because many classmates don’t understand his behavior. Although no one has been unkind to him, some children struggle to engage with him. They might not realize that he is sensitive to loud noises or that they need to ask him multiple times to get his attention. By watching Julia interact with Elmo, Abby, and others, neurotypical children can learn how to engage with their peers on the spectrum, creating a more inclusive environment when they encounter an autistic child.
Thank you, Sesame Street, for this important step in fostering understanding among kids. For more insights about parenting, you can check out other relevant articles, like this one on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in at-home insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert resources. Additionally, MedlinePlus is an excellent source for pregnancy information.
In summary, Sesame Street’s Julia presents an opportunity for children to learn about autism in an engaging way. While not every child on the spectrum may see themselves in her character, the exposure to neurodiversity will benefit neurotypical peers, fostering a more inclusive community.