April is Autism Awareness Month, and in celebration, the beloved children’s program Sesame Street, along with the Sesame Workshop, is unveiling a variety of valuable resources featuring Julia, a four-year-old girl with autism. One of the standout videos showcases Julia and her older brother, Alex, demonstrating unique ways to “hug” friends who may prefer less conventional forms of affection instead of traditional hugs.
Among the adorable and practical techniques introduced are the “starfish hug,” where children extend their hands to touch fingertips, along with the “fairy hug” and “butterfly hug.” These methods are designed to be simple for kids to grasp and utilize.
Sesame Street has long been recognized for its commitment to teaching children about diversity and inclusion, addressing complex topics that often challenge adults. Julia was first introduced digitally in 2015 as part of an initiative to foster a more inclusive environment for children on the autism spectrum, enhancing understanding and awareness among all kids. She made her television debut two years ago and continues to play a significant role in various segments this month.
Dr. Karen Morales, the vice president of social impact at Sesame Workshop, stated, “We aim to highlight both the challenges and the commonalities that families like Julia’s experience daily.”
A highlight of this month’s offerings is not just the hug video, but also the introduction of Julia’s family, including her parents, Maria and Daniel, her older brother Alex, and her lovable dog, Daisy. “We are excited to broaden Julia’s universe with her family members in our new resources,” said Laura Simmons, President of Global Impact and Philanthropy. “Families with autistic children encounter unique challenges, and we want to emphasize that all families have their own hurdles. The aim is to focus on shared experiences, strengths, and the lessons we can learn from one another.”
Additional content featuring Julia can be accessed online, including videos of her first haircut, fun moments of bubble play with her friend Lily, and lessons on various ways to greet others. This material emphasizes our commonalities rather than our differences, celebrating what makes each of us unique instead of shying away from it.
As Elmo aptly puts it in one new clip: “Julia has autism, and that makes her different. But it’s really cool that everyone’s a little bit different but also the same.” These videos not only illustrate the experiences of a non-neurotypical child but also shed light on the family dynamics involved.
In addition to videos, Sesame Street offers interactive online activities, storybooks, and printables that encourage children to recognize similarities, celebrate differences, and foster empathy. There are also wonderful resources for parents, including behind-the-scenes content, printables, and a newsletter specifically focused on autism for families, friends, and educators ready to deepen their understanding of autism and inclusion.
Understanding the increasing number of autism diagnoses, Sesame Workshop created Julia to provide children with a relatable character. “We wanted to create a character that children could connect with who has autism,” stated Simmons. “But equally important was the goal of promoting awareness and understanding among all children and families.”
That’s certainly something we can all embrace, perhaps with a starfish hug.
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In summary, Sesame Street’s initiatives this Autism Awareness Month aim to promote understanding and acceptance of children with autism through engaging content and relatable characters. With Julia leading the charge, the program continues to champion diversity and inclusion for all kids.