In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Sesame Street’s first Muppet with autism, Julia, will be featured in new storylines, including the introduction of her family! Four-year-old Julia, a Sesame Street muppet with autism, will star in new episodes and original videos featuring her entire family.
On Apr. 8, HBO and PBS will premiere a brand-new Sesame Street episode that centers around Elmo and Abby Caddaby helping Julia prepare for a haircut, which Julia feels nervous about. The episode was created based on feedback by parents who expressed a need for content that tackled the challenges families like Julia’s face.
The new videos include The “I Love My Family” song, in which Julia’s mother, Elena, father, Daniel, and big brother, Samuel, join Julia and their dog, Rose, to sing a song celebrating family. There’s also “Julia’s Family Gets Ready,” in which Julia’s family gets ready to attend open mic night at Hooper’s Store where Julia steps in to save the day and “Starfish Hug,” in which Julia and Samuel teach Abby Cadabby a new kind of hug to help her through a tough day.
This is all part of the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative, which also includes a new digital interactive activity titled Playground Pals, in which Julia and her brother Samuel head to the playground and stop to help other kids along the way. The campaign is also launching a new ebook titled Circle of Friends, which is focused around Julia standing up for a child with autism against a bully at summer camp.
On Sat., Apr. 6, Barnes & Noble will hold storytime events in over 630 locations nationwide, featuring the recently released Family Forever hardcover storybook. Families can also check out sesamestreet.org/autism for more resources and activities.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Courtesy Sesame Street Workshop
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