Welcome, Julia

In a bold, but uplifting and inclusive manner, the beloved 'Sesame Street' has unveiled Julia, the first Muppet with autism. She's four years old with bright orange hair, a purple dress and bright green eyes. Having personally come to know someone with autism, my interest instantly peaked when I saw the first headline. How could Sesame Street, a show that had me glued to the T.V. as a child, possibly depict such a disorder? With autism having such a wide range of displays and severities, I immediately thought there was no way for it to be done. In order to better understand how to portray this sensitive topic, especially to children, the writers brought in autism specialists, including advocates, psychologists and educators.

Opportunity For Inclusion

On a quick thought, at least for me, when Sesame Street is mentioned my mind imagines shapes, colors and Elmo's distinctive, humorous laugh. Beyond this, though, is an opportunity I believe Sesame Street captured with Julia: inclusion. Today our world through media is ever-changing and children are now presented with issues their parents weren't. In 1999, it was reported that autism affected one in 500 people, but in 2015 the statistic was one in 45 children with the number expected to rise. Sesame Street can now introduce children to autism early, in turn, giving them a better understanding when they enter school and experience someone who may play or talk differently. As if Sesame Street couldn't piece this complicated puzzle together any better, the person controlling Julia is Stacey Gordon, a mother of an autistic child. Her personal and first-hand experience with autism, as well as her founding of Puppet Pie!, makes her a perfect candidate to take control of the new kid on the block.

Hats Off & A Round Of Applause

So here's to Sesame Street! May your message of understanding, inclusion, and diversity be viewed and learned by children across the world. May autistic children, and adults alike, feel welcomed and included wherever they go.

Additional Videos:

Inside Edition: 'Sesame Street' Introduces The First Muppet With Autism

60 Minutes: The real life mother and son behind a Muppet with autism