In an exciting development for audiences of all ages, Sesame Street is introducing a new character named Julia, a four-year-old girl who has autism. Julia made her debut in 2015 in an online Digital Storybook titled “Sesame Street and Autism: See the amazing in all children,” where she enjoyed a playdate with Elmo and Abby. Starting this April, she will officially join the Sesame Street lineup as a regular cast member.
Understanding Julia
During a recent interview on 60 Minutes, one of the show’s characters, Big Bird, shared his initial misunderstanding of Julia. He thought she didn’t like him because she hesitated to shake his hand. Elmo clarified that Julia, due to her autism, sometimes needs a bit more time to engage in activities. The Sesame Street cast emphasizes the importance of learning from one another, showcasing that everyone has their unique ways of doing things, which is a valuable lesson for young viewers.
Bringing Julia to Life
Rollie Krewson, a seasoned puppet designer at Jim Henson’s company, played a pivotal role in bringing Julia to life, ensuring every detail was meticulously crafted. “Her eyes needed to convey intensity while still looking friendly,” Krewson explained to CBS. Julia’s hair was also designed thoughtfully, with no accessories to maintain simplicity and prevent distractions.
The Voice Behind Julia
Stacey Gordon, the talented puppeteer behind Julia, is not just an actress—she is also a mother to a child with autism. “I wish Julia had been introduced when my own child was the right age for Sesame Street,” Gordon shared. Writing Julia’s character was no easy feat, as show writer Christine Ferraro noted, “Autism is not a one-size-fits-all experience.” She highlighted the nuanced approach needed to represent autism authentically, echoing the sentiment that “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
Additional Resources
For those interested in more parenting tips and stories, don’t forget to check out our other blog post on home insemination kits, which can provide valuable insights for your journey. Additionally, for fertility help, you might want to explore this resource, as they are an authority on the subject. And if you’re looking for comprehensive information on pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, Sesame Street’s introduction of Julia offers a significant opportunity for children to learn about diversity and understanding differences in behavior, especially in regard to autism, while also highlighting the importance of empathy and communication.