In an exciting development for fans of the beloved children’s show, Sesame Street has introduced a new character named Julia, a vibrant four-year-old girl on the autism spectrum. Julia made her debut in 2015 through an online Digital Storybook titled “Sesame Street and Autism: See the Amazing in All Children,” where she enjoyed a playdate with Elmo and Abby. This April, she will officially join the Sesame Street cast as a regular character.
During a 60 Minutes interview featuring the Sesame Street team, Big Bird shares his initial confusion about Julia’s hesitance to shake his hand, believing she didn’t like him. Elmo clarifies, explaining that Julia’s autism means “sometimes it takes her a little longer to do things.” The show’s cast emphasizes the importance of understanding one another, demonstrating that everyone has unique ways of interacting, which is an essential lesson for young viewers.
Rollie Thompson, a seasoned puppet designer involved with Jim Henson’s company since the 1970s, crafted Julia with meticulous detail. “Her eyes were designed to convey intensity while remaining friendly,” Thompson explained. “We ensured her hair was styled so it wouldn’t obstruct her vision or get in her mouth, and we omitted any hair accessories.”
The talented puppeteer, Mia Johnson, who brings Julia to life, is not just an actress; she is also a mother of a child with autism. “I wish Julia had been introduced during my child’s Sesame Street phase,” Johnson remarked, highlighting the character’s significance for families navigating similar experiences.
Scriptwriter Tara Williams expressed the challenges faced in accurately portraying Julia, noting the diversity within autism. “Autism is not a monolith; it varies greatly from one individual to another,” Williams stated. “There’s a saying: ‘If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.’”
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In summary, Julia’s introduction to Sesame Street serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding differences in all children. As she joins her friends, viewers will learn alongside them about the beauty of diversity.