‘Sesame Street’ Airs New Episode Starring Julia to honor Autism Acceptance Day
Sesame Street reveals new episode on April 6
‘Sesame Street’ is an American educational television series for children and to honor and celebrate Autism Acceptance Day they created a new episode with new content from Julia, who was the first muppet with autism who made her debut on the children’s series in 2017. In that episode, ‘Sesame Street’ highlighted how all children are amazing with new resources for families, and features Julia and the special relationship she shares with her brother Samuel.
While developing this project, ‘Sesame Street’ heard from mothers and fathers of children with autism.
"You'll see those differences being celebrated, but you also see the commonalities that children and families share with each other especially siblings," Kama Einhorn, senior content manager at Sesame Street Workshop told "Good Morning America," adding that "superheroes" is the theme of the new content.
"Siblings of children with autism are often the unsung superheroes in a family," Einhorn said. "You see Samuel in action, but you see a range of who he is. He's not just this perfect helper. He has a life and has conflicts, but you also see him being an extraordinary support to Julia, having a really important role in the family as everyone in the family. You'll see some beautiful moments between Julia and her family," Einhorn said.
The Sesame Workshop team wants to help families who navigate the world of special needs, and the people who love them. In honor of Autism Acceptance Day, they’re expanding their autism initiative with new videos and activities featuring Julia, as well as the Julia-focused episode, " Fluffster Kerfuffle," which premiered on April 6. This episode is centered around learning how to play well together, which might look a little different for Julia.
Andrea Cody, senior project manager at Sesame Street Workshop, said the brand has shifted from Autism Awareness Day to Autism Acceptance Day as a direct response to the autism community. The episode features some animations where Julia's drawings are brought to life and were created in partnership with Exceptional Minds -- a non-profit digital arts school for young adults on the autism spectrum. The animations were done by adult artists with autism, Cody said.
“We’re proud to mark Autism Acceptance Day by celebrating the amazing in every child and continuing our commitment to autistic children and their families,” says Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president, U.S. social impact, Sesame Workshop. “Especially during these uncertain times, Sesame Workshop is here to support families with the tools they need to navigate everyday moments as well as the challenges that come their way.”
At a time when many families are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, these new resources will provide coping strategies for parents of children with autism, supporting them as they adjust to a “for-now” normal while still addressing their children’s unique needs. The resources include COVID-19 related tips for families with children who have autism, including language and strategies for providing comfort, creating routines and staying physically and psychologically healthy as a family. Also include original videos starring Julia, her family and ‘Sesame Street’ friends, new articles, printed activities and “Super Fluffster,” an animation created in partnership with Exceptional Minds.