Sesame Street Introduces Julia's Whole Family in Honor of Autism Awareness Month
Meet Julia‘s family!
Sesame Street announced Monday that it will introduce viewers to the loved ones of their character Julia, who has autism, in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
The creative gang includes Julia’s older brother Sam, her mom (who is an art teacher), her dad (who plays the saxophone) and her pup, Rose.
“We know families that have children on the spectrum, they face unique challenges. But more importantly, there’s so much they share,” Sesame Workshop‘s Senior Vice President for U.S. Social Impact, Jeanette Betancourt, told Good Morning America about the initiative.
Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Parents newsletter.
NEW THIS MORNING: @SesameStreet is introducing new characters to the show for Autism Awareness Month. Julia, the first muppet with autism, will now appear alongside her family! @PaulaFaris has the story. https://t.co/06ff5FBwa9 pic.twitter.com/rFZKxlQtGT
— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 1, 2019
RELATED: Sesame Place Becomes First Theme Park in the World Designated as a Certified Autism Center
According to Good Morning America, Julia’s Sesame Street pals had lots to say about what they’ve learned from her in the two years since she joined the show.
“Julia has autism,” said Elmo, GMA reports. “And that makes Julia different … But it’s really cool that everybody’s a little bit different but same, too. And Elmo and Julia have a lot in common, and we have a lot of fun together.”
GMA states that Julia’s brother Sam told the outlet “just because” his sister “doesn’t respond — doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to be friends,” and noted that “it may take a few tries to get to know Julia.”
RELATED VIDEO: Sesame Street Introducing Julia, a Muppet with Autism
Sesame Workshop’s President of Global Impact and Philanthropy, Sherrie Westin, said in a statement provided to GMA that they are “thrilled to expand Julia’s world with her parents, big brother and her adorable dog, Rose, in our new resources.”
“Children with autism often face unique challenges, as do their parents and siblings. But every family faces challenges of some sort, which is why we are focusing on what all families have in common,” she added.
“In a family, everyone has different roles, challenges and strengths, and everyone can learn from one another,” Westin said.
