Sesame Street has been around for countless generations and is extremely well known. The show is loved by many children and has a great reputation. There is a lot of buzz regarding Sesame Street’s new character.

Not only is the new character new to the show but this character is the first Muppet with autism. Elmo and Grover will have a new friend to hang out with and her name is Julia. Julia is orange with green eyes, and she is a part of Sesame Street’s Autism Initiative program.

The website autism.sesamestreet.org is a website full of activities for the autistic community such as games, stories, apps and videos. The slogan is: “Celebrate the uniqueness of each and every child!” autism.sesamestreet.org explained: “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 families and kids.”

The new character is going to provide awareness for the autistic community around the world. Now people who are affected by autism (whether that be personally or other people in their life) obtain a better understanding of individuals who are impacted by autism in some way, shape or form.

The new character will help individuals relate to people diagnosed with autism and how there are many positive aspects to this diagnosis.

It is great that Julia is a female character as well. Some people who are not familiar with autism believe that autism can only affect boys but this is false.

Autism can and has affected both males and females across the world. This raises awareness and allows autism to be seen in a positive light.

“I think a Sesame Street character with autism is a good idea simply because it shows kids at a young age that everyone should be treated as equals,” said sophomore Nick Racanelli. “It brings awareness to those impacted and I think that it will have a great impact on others.” 

Autism is growing rapidly across the world, and is the fastest-growing developmental disability. According the Autism Society, more than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.

In March 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an ADDM Autism prevalence report. The report stated that autism has increased to one in every 68 births in the United States. 

Even though the character Julia will not be on the television screen this year, she will be there soon. This is a very positive impact that Sesame Street has created and hopefully this will create a domino effect on other television shows and movies.

Julia is going to be a great addition to the other characters on Sesame Street.