Sesame Street just did an awesome thing.
For over a year now, "Sesame Street" has been working with organizations such as Autism Speaks and Autism Self Advocacy to help reduce the stigma associated with autism spectrum disorder. The muppet Julia, a fictional character with autism, has her own "digital storybook" called "We're Amazing, 1,2,3."
The book follows Elmo and his friend Julia as they play together on the playground. Elmo's other friend, Abby, walks up to them and meets Julia. Abby thinks that Julia doesn't like her because of her lack of immediate response when Abby says hello. "'Hi!' Abby calls loudly. Julia doesn't answer. 'Your friend doesn't like me.' says Abby sadly."
Elmo then explains to Abby that Julia's lack of response doesn't mean that Julia doesn't like Abby, but rather that she processes things a little differently than other kids.
"'Elmo's daddy told Elmo that Julia has autism,' he says. 'So she does things a little differently. Sometimes Elmo talks to Julia using fewer words and says the same thing a few times.'"
Abby learns more about autism, and gains a new friend in the process. The interactive online book educates kids about kids on the autism spectrum, and allows them to start the conversation with their parents about children with disabilities in general.
Can I get a heck yeah?
Julia isn't the first fictional character in the media who has had autism, but on a children's show, she's considered pretty groundbreaking. It gives kids a space to learn more about something that people often find pretty tough to talk about, especially to kids.
As someone who has a little brother on the autism spectrum, I've seen firsthand how kids with autism sometimes struggle to make friends and adapt to social settings. It's heartbreaking. No child should be left out or made uncomfortable, no matter the case.
What better way to start the conversation than at a young age? Raising awareness early on can help so much with acceptance and with reducing the stigma of children with disabilities, specifically with children with autism.
I believe that the book "We're Amazing, 1, 2, 3" will help reduce that stigma, because it breaks down how Julia is different in simple language, which can help kids understand that she's just like other kids, and how small things can make kids like Julia and my brother more comfortable in social settings.
Autism awareness is important, as it has become more prevalent in our society in the last thirty years. According to Autism Speaks, autism spectrum disorder now affects 1 in every 68 children, and 1 in 42 boys. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. We need to be talking about it. We can't afford to not talk about it.
Sesame Street producers are waiting to hear back from the autism community before introducing Julia to the show on TV.
While she isn't on television yet, I have no doubt that with her online book, kids will be more exposed to and more educated on the stigma of autism spectrum disorder, and learn how children on the spectrum are just like them. They want friendships, they want to learn, and they want to be included. I hope "Sesame Street" can help jumpstart the conversation and jumpstart that inclusion, and even more television shows and more forms of media will jump on to this conversation as well.
