Sesame Street Introduces New Muppet With Autism

Melissa Willets
Updated
Due to popular demand, family-fav show Sesame Street has added an adorable new member of the gang, who happens to have autism.

March 20, 2017

Meet Julia! She’s a sweet little girl with autism who just moved onto Sesame Street. But there’s a lot more to this newest Muppet, like that she loves to draw and sing. The 4-year-old’s favorite song is “Sunny Days.” But whose isn’t?!

In a new clip from the show, you can watch Julia, her friend Abby Cadabby, and Julia’s cute stuffed bunny sing "Sunny Days" together. When Abby introduces Julia to the other Muppets, she explains her new friend’s behavior—like that it can be difficult to get her attention—as “Julia being Julia.”

According to a press release, over the course of five years, Sesame Workshop consulted with more than 250 organizations and experts within the autism community to develop Julia’s character. The goal of introducing Julia, as well as an accompanying variety of resources including books and videos, is to serve the autism community and to increase awareness and understanding of the disorder that affects 1 in 68 kids in the U.S.

NPR reports that Julia will appear in two episodes this season, and more next season. We can’t wait to learn more about this talented little red-headed Muppet!

Melissa Willets is a writer/blogger and soon-to-be mom of 4. Find her on Facebook where she chronicles her life momming under the influence. Of yoga.