In a groundbreaking addition to its beloved cast, Sesame Street is proud to introduce a new character named Lily, a four-year-old girl diagnosed with autism. Initially unveiled in 2015 through a digital story titled “Sesame Street and Autism: See the Amazing in All Children,” Lily had her first playdate with popular characters like Elmo and Abby. Starting in April, she will become a permanent fixture on the show.
During a recent interview on 60 Minutes, one of the cast members, Big Bird, shared his initial misunderstanding of Lily’s behavior. He believed that she didn’t like him because she was reluctant to shake his hand. Elmo clarified that due to Lily’s autism, “sometimes it takes her a little longer to do things.” This interaction illustrates the show’s commitment to teaching children about diversity and acceptance, emphasizing that while some individuals may behave differently, that’s perfectly acceptable.
Puppet designer Maxine Carter, who has worked with Jim Henson’s company for decades, took great care in creating Lily’s character. “Her eyes were designed to convey intensity while still appearing inviting,” Carter explained in an interview. “We made sure her hair was styled in a way that wouldn’t obstruct her vision or fall into her mouth, and we avoided any accessories like barrettes or ribbons.”
The puppeteer bringing Lily to life, Jenna Wells, is also a mother of a child with autism. “I wish this character had been introduced earlier during my own child’s Sesame Street phase,” Wells shared.
Writer Aidan Brooks noted the complexities involved in accurately portraying Lily’s character. “Autism manifests differently in every individual,” he remarked, referencing the saying, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
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In summary, Sesame Street’s introduction of Lily reinforces the importance of understanding and embracing differences in children. The show aims to foster an inclusive environment where every child can feel represented and accepted.
Keyphrase: Sesame Street character with autism
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