One of the world’s most beloved children’s shows is adding a new character to the cast – a 4-year-old Muppet named Julia. What makes Julia so unique is the fact that she has autism, giving children a better understanding of what autism is and how people with the condition view the world. This is a tremendous stride in autism awareness, and it goes to show how important Sesame Street and other programs are to children of all ages.
A Look At Julia, The Muppet With Autism
Julia is a shy character with fiery red hair and a wonderfully engaging smile. She picks flowers, paints, and expresses her creativity in a number of ways. She doesn’t always know how to communicate with other characters on the show. Sometimes she simply repeats what other characters have said, or a character will have to repeat a question in order for Julia to understand it. It’s not always easy to get her attention, and she may not pick up on social cues.
She’s a great representation of autism as a whole, even if she does not reflect every autistic child’s thoughts and behavioral patterns. Overall, she should be an excellent addition to the Sesame Street gang, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do.
Choosing The Right Way To Convey Autistic Behaviors
It’s called the “autism spectrum” for a reason. There is no specific way an autistic person acts, thinks, or behaves. Each person is unique, which means that not all autistic children may act exactly like Julia. Sesame Street had to find a happy medium, somewhere on the spectrum that was relatable, easy-to-understand, and still representative of the condition. From what we’ve seen, they have done a great job at capturing the unique way someone with autism views the world while simultaneously showing that every child from every walk of life is unique too.
Resources For Parents With Autistic Children
In addition to bringing Julia onto the cast, Sesame Street has created a database of resources for parents of autistic children. This has help videos for children and for parents, along with daily routine cards to help children with autism get through day-to-day tasks. If you have an autistic child, you may also get autism treatment through our specialists in Michigan. Contact Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Metro Detroit, MI to schedule an appointment with an autism therapist near you.