The legendary Sesame Street is adding a new resident to the neighbourhood – Julia, a preschooler who has autism.
The new muppet, who has green eyes and orange hair, was revealed on Wednesday to kick off Sesame Street‘s new initiative ‘See Amazing In All Children’. The initiative is an effort to raise awareness for autism and to educate children and families on how to identify and respond to some of the more common elements of behaviour found in people who have autism.
“Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism,” The site explains. “See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. At the same time, the project fosters an affirming narrative around autism for all families and kids.”
Julia was introduced via a free online storybook entitled We’re Amazing, 1,2,3 written by Leslie Kimmelman, which you can check out here!