Just two months ago, my son was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. As a new autism parent, I’m still navigating this journey. My son is level 1 on the spectrum, academically ahead of his peers, and displays some behaviors that differ from the typical presentation of autism.
When my husband and I received the diagnosis, we had many questions for our pediatrician about how to approach discussing it with our son. Should we tell him right away? Is it something to celebrate? Maybe I should bake a cake to mark the occasion? Ultimately, we decided to hold off. We’re open with him about his strengths and the ways in which he may be different, and we’ll find the right moment to explain his autism when he’s ready. That could be next week, or it might be years down the line. We’ll know when the time is right.
So, when I heard that Sesame Street would be introducing a Muppet character named Julia who has autism, I was thrilled. Representation on television matters, and when the time comes to discuss autism with my son, he will already have some context from watching one of his favorite shows. I checked out some clips of Julia and noticed both the resemblances and the differences between her and my son.
Julia’s gender is significant; autism is often perceived as a male disorder, leading to many girls being underdiagnosed. This misrepresentation stems from the fact that girls can exhibit different behaviors and may be better at masking their challenges to fit societal expectations.
It’s essential to remember that autism is a broad spectrum with varying levels and individual characteristics. I’ve learned a phrase that resonates deeply with many parents and professionals: “If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.”
While my son will see Julia and recognize that they share a diagnosis, I don’t think he will fully identify with her character. This realization is likely true for many children on the spectrum. However, that’s not necessarily a negative outcome. It’s unrealistic for any single show to encapsulate the experiences of all children, especially those on the autism spectrum.
Just the other day, I listened to a segment on Julia while driving, and I found myself emotional—not out of sadness, but because I was thinking of other children. I envisioned neurotypical kids learning about autism through Julia before they even begin to walk or talk. Those who may not have an autistic family member or classmate will gain early exposure to neurodiversity.
For my son, who struggles to make friends in preschool due to his unique behaviors, seeing neurotypical children interact with Julia is crucial. They will witness how an autistic child might engage and, as a result, may be more inclusive and understanding when they encounter someone like my son on the playground or in the classroom. They won’t be meeting an autistic child for the first time; they’ll already have Julia in their minds.
So thank you, Sesame Street. Your efforts to introduce Julia are appreciated.
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In summary, while Julia may not fully represent every child on the spectrum, her introduction to Sesame Street offers a significant opportunity for neurotypical children to understand and accept neurodiversity, potentially creating a more inclusive environment for all.