In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, Sesame Street and the Sesame Workshop are introducing a wealth of new resources featuring Julia, a four-year-old character with autism. One standout video features Julia and her big brother, Max, demonstrating various ways to show affection to friends who may prefer alternative forms of hugs.
Among the delightful and practical hugging methods showcased are the “starfish hug,” where children gently touch fingertips like a starfish, along with a “fairy hug” and a “butterfly hug.” These approaches are designed to be easily understood by kids, making the concept of showing care more accessible.
As many are aware, Sesame Street has a long history of addressing topics of diversity and inclusion, helping children feel valued and accepted. The program has consistently tackled challenging subjects that adults sometimes find difficult to discuss.
Julia was first introduced digitally in 2015 as part of an initiative aimed at promoting inclusion for children on the autism spectrum. She made her on-screen debut in a Sesame Street episode two years later and is featured in even more segments this month.
Dr. Emily Carter, the vice president of social impact for the Sesame Workshop, stated, “We aim to highlight both the challenges and commonalities faced by families like Julia’s in their everyday lives.”
This month’s most notable release isn’t just the hug video, but also one that introduces Julia’s entire family: her parents, Lisa and David, her brother Max, and her lovable dog, Bella.
“We’re excited to broaden Julia’s story to include her family and dog in our latest resources,” said Anna Johnson, President of Global Outreach and Community Engagement. “While children with autism encounter unique challenges, so do their families. Every household faces its own set of difficulties, which is why we emphasize shared experiences.”
Additional original content featuring Julia is available online, including videos of her first haircut, playing with her friend Mia, and showing kids the many ways to greet others. The emphasis is on what connects us rather than what sets us apart, promoting acceptance of differences instead of shying away from them.
Elmo aptly summarizes this sentiment in one of the new clips: “Julia has autism, and that makes Julia special. But it’s really cool that everyone is a little different yet the same.”
These videos explore the experiences of non-neurotypical children and their families, addressing struggles in various situations.
In addition to the videos, there are two interactive online activities, three digital storybooks, and a set of printables that encourage children to identify commonalities, celebrate differences, and foster empathy.
Parents will also find valuable resources, including behind-the-scenes clips, printables, and a newsletter focused on autism for families, friends, and educators interested in learning more about autism and inclusion.
Sesame Street recognizes the necessity of diversifying its cast and ensuring that all children are understood and included. “With the increasing number of autism diagnoses, we created Julia to offer relatable representation for children on the spectrum,” said Johnson. “But it’s equally important to promote understanding of autism among all children and families.”
This is a cause we can all come together to support with a big starfish hug.
In summary, Sesame Street continues to innovate with its resources for Autism Awareness Month, providing tools and stories that foster understanding and acceptance. By highlighting Julia and her family, they aim to encourage empathy and connection among children of all backgrounds.
Keyphrase: Sesame Street autism resources
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