Headlines of a different nature were on the scene recently when Sesame Street announced the addition of a new autistic character named Julia to the cast. According to CNN, “The bright-eyed and cheerful little girl plays an essential role in Sesame Street and Autism: See All in Amazing Children,” a new initiative to promote awareness about autism.
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Partnering with 14 additional organizations, including Autism Speaks and the Yale Child Study Center, the new program, Sesame Street and Autism: See All in Amazing Children is available as an app and a desktop program. The program includes daily routine cards and resources to help family, friends and others who encounter children with autism. (via CNN)
So many of us have experienced autism, whether in our own family or with another child on the playground, at school or through friends. Our kids are encountering autism every day – and learning what it is and understanding how to interact with other children with autism is an essential skill in today’s society. Using a popular T.V. show, computer program, an app and social media is a great way to educate and spread a message of awareness.
In the digital storybook, Elmo plays with Julia on the playground and helps his friend Abby Cadabby understand that Julia plays differently than them. Through his patience and understanding, he helps Abby understand Julia. “Elmo’s daddy told Elmo that Julia has autism,” he says. “So she does things a little differently. Sometimes Elmo talks to Julia using fewer words and says the same thing a few times.” (via CNN)
Using some additional real-life stories and other interactive activities, the new Sesame Street initiative is helping children understand children and encouraging all of us to have a better understanding of what it’s like to live with autism. Using #SeeAmazing, Sesame Street is encouraging everyone to share their stories on social media to help spread the message of all the amazing kids out there. Has autism affected your family? What do you think of Sesame Street’s new character and initiative?
