In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the beloved children’s program Sesame Street, along with the Sesame Workshop, has launched an array of new resources centered around Julia, their four-year-old character with autism. One of the standout videos features Julia and her older brother, Max, demonstrating unique ways to express affection, particularly for friends who may not be comfortable with traditional hugs.
These innovative hugs include the “starfish hug,” where kids spread their hands and touch fingertips, as well as the “fairy hug” and “butterfly hug”—all simple concepts that children can easily grasp. Sesame Street has a remarkable history of promoting diversity and inclusivity, and now, they’re taking a proactive approach to help children understand and connect with their peers on the autism spectrum.
Julia’s Journey
Julia was first introduced digitally in 2015 as part of Sesame Street’s initiative to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. She made her television debut two years later and continues to feature prominently in the show this month. Dr. Janice Parker, the head of social impact for the Sesame Workshop, expressed the goal to highlight both the challenges and shared experiences that families like Julia’s encounter in their daily lives.
Introducing Julia’s Family
This month, in addition to the hugging video, viewers will be introduced to Julia’s family: her parents, Laura and Danny, her brother Max, and her delightful dog, Bella. “We’re excited to expand Julia’s universe with her family members in our new resources,” said Karen Johnson, President of Global Initiatives. “Families with autism face distinct challenges, just as all families do, which is why our focus is on commonalities rather than differences.”
Celebrating Uniqueness
Additional content features Julia having her first haircut, enjoying bubble play with her friend Abby, and teaching various ways to greet others. The emphasis is on recognizing similarities rather than differences and celebrating what makes us unique. As one of the new videos aptly puts it, “Julia has autism, and that makes her different. But it’s wonderful that everyone has their own uniqueness!”
Interactive Resources
Alongside the videos, Sesame Street offers interactive online activities, three digital storybooks, and printable resources for kids to engage with. These materials encourage empathy, understanding, and celebration of diversity.
Resources for Parents
For parents, there are valuable resources available, including behind-the-scenes footage, printables, and a newsletter focused on autism education for families and educators. The importance of creating relatable characters like Julia is paramount, as emphasized by Johnson: “With the rising number of autism diagnoses, Julia represents a relatable figure for children while also fostering understanding among all kids.”
Further Reading
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In summary, Sesame Street is continuing its mission to foster inclusivity and understanding through its character Julia, providing tools and resources that help children learn about and embrace their peers with autism.