Sesame Workshop celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with new resources centered around belonging and artistic expression. With all-new content featuring Julia and her friends Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Rosita, and Rudy including videos, a storybook, and printable activity guides, the global Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative continues its dedication to showing that all children — autistic and neurotypical alike — are amazing in their own ways.
New content features Julia, a Sesame Street Muppet with autism, sharing stories with her friends about creating art and what it means to belong.
Created in 2015 in consultation with more than 250 organisations and experts within the autistic community, the Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of autism, foster greater empathy and understanding, and support families with free resources to help them navigate everyday moments. The new resources add to Sesame Workshop’s extensive library of content for autistic children and their families. Addressing topics from working together to celebrating being part of the community, the new resources include:
- Two new videos featuring Julia and her Sesame Street friends: In Princess Paint A Lot, Julia, Abby and Rosita create a story together about a princess who loves to paint. And in Julia’s Needed, Elmo and Rudy need Julia’s help and artistic expertise as they paint a rainbow together.
- A new storybook celebrating teamwork and belonging called “Julia and the Super-Sunny Celebration” is available digitally in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
- Three new printable pages encourage children’s creativity by prompting them to create a self-portrait and inserting themselves into different scenes from storybooks like “Family Forever” and “Super-Sunny Celebration.”
“We continue our commitment to autistic children and families by celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with new resources,” said Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “We work to create a world where all children are appreciated for who they are. Through Julia and her Sesame friends, we demonstrate belonging to be more than simply being accepted. It is also being part of a community where each person is safe and valued.”
Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop
See Amazing in All Children resources include topics on family bonding, making friends, coping with the pandemic, and routines and flexibility. Additional resources are tailored for providers and parents and caregivers.
