New in the Neighborhood!

April is Autism month, and the beloved public television show, Sesame Street, will celebrate the occasion with the TV debut of a brand-new character named Julia!

Though Julia, an adorable four-year-old Muppet with autism was first introduced in 2015, as part of nonprofit educational organization, Sesame Workshop’s online autism initiative, her prior appearances were limited to Sesame Street’s website, e-books, app and videos. On April 10, viewers of Sesame Street will meet Julia— the first new character to join the furry Muppet clan in ten years—for the first time.

According to a press release, Julia’s debut evidences the start of a “rich new phase of the [autism] initiative,” known as Sesame Street and Autism: See the Amazing in All Children … and signals “a strong, continuing commitment to the autism community.” Julia’s role has expanded because her creators realize that she can have reach more people and have a greater impact if the show’s viewers get to know her.

Described on the website as “sweet,” “curious,” playful and a talented singer and artist, Julia also exhibits symptoms that may be familiar to those who interact with people on the autism spectrum. For example, sometimes Julia has trouble paying attention, and sometimes she repeats words.

In an online video that introduces Julia, when she is unresponsive to (character) Abby Cadabby’s offer to play, Elmo explains that Julia “sometimes does things differently because Julia has autism.” He encourages Abby to try asking again “slowly and with fewer words,” a technique that results in success. The three Muppets then proceed to play happily together.

Julia will be voiced by puppeteer Stacey Gordon, the mother of a son on the autism spectrum.

In an interview with National Public Radio, Gordon told media correspondent David Folkenflik she regretted that Sesame Street didn’t have an autistic character when her son was younger and a viewer of the television show.

“Bringing Julia to life as a Sesame Street Muppet is the centerpiece of all of our new materials to support families of children with autism,” said Sherrie Westin, EVP of Global Impact and Philanthropy, Sesame Workshop in a press release. “The response from the autism community to See Amazing in all Children has been extraordinary, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of autism, as part of our mission of helping all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

Statistics show that one in 68 American children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, the experts at Sesame Workshop determined there was a need to provide a variety of resources to raise awareness, increase tolerance and inclusion for children with autism and their families.

“We heard a call to use our expertise and characters to build a bridge between the autism and neuro-typical communities,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, SVP of U.S. Social Impact for Sesame Workshop.

Currently, researchers at Georgetown University are studying the efficacy of Sesame Workshop’s autism resources on families with autistic children. According to Folkenflik, “preliminary findings suggest the material helps families with autistic children feel more comfortable incorporating them in broader community activities, and that families whose children do not have autism are more accepting of those kids who do.”