'Sesame Street' Adds New Muppet: Her Name Is Julia, And She's A Child With Autism

LAKE FOREST, CA — There is a new kid on the street. Her name is Julia, and she is a child on the autism spectrum. Her favorite song is "Sunny Days," one that you might be familiar with, in the popular children's educational program, "Sesame Street," in production for more than 50 years.

Julia is the newest character to join the gang on "Sesame Street," according to Sesame Workshop. She will join the gang in April.

She is a large part of the Sesame Workshop's new autism initiative: Sesame Street and Autism: See the Amazing in all Children.

Sesame Workshop, a non-profit educational organization behind "Sesame Street," continues to increase acceptance and provide more tools for families with children on the autism spectrum, it stated in a recent release.

“Bringing Julia to life as a Sesame Street Muppet is the centerpiece of all of our new materials to support families of children with autism,” said Sherrie Westin, executive vice president of Global Impact and Philanthropy at Sesame Workshop. “The response from the autism community to See Amazing in all Children has been extraordinary, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of autism, as part of our mission of helping all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

Fans may recognize Julia, who was first introduced on the show in 2015.

"The story begins with the characters Abby Cadabby and Elmo introducing Julia to Big Bird," "60 Minutes'" Lesley Stahl said.

Big Bird doesn't understand why Julia doesn't look at him or talk to him the way he is typically used to. It is the perfect introduction to autism, according to Christine Ferarro, a story writer for Julia's tale.

"There is a saying," Ferraro explained in a "60 Minutes" interview. "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."

Lake Forest area resident Tammy Ward shared her thoughts of the new "Sesame Street" character after watching the clip of Julia playing with her doll. Ward is mother to an 8-year-old child on the autism spectrum, and a local support group leader of EASE (Educate, Advocate, Support, Encourage) Autism Support Group at Saddleback Church.

"I'm guessing (Julia) will represent a 'high-functioning' child with autism," Ward said. "The autism spectrum is broad, with a number of issues that can be addressed. There is a lot of opportunity here, and I hope that the serious issues with autism are addressed in a way that preschool children can be made aware, and hopefully understand. Time will tell."

Sesame Workshop did not embark on this task lightly, working for more than five years in consultation with more than 250 organizations and experts within the autism community to address an increasingly prevalent condition.

Among the many creators and contributors behind See Amazing in All Children, Stacey Gordon, who performs the role of Julia, and Christine Ferraro, the writer of the “Meet Julia” episode, both have close family relationships that helped them bring this character to life in a compelling, meaningful way according to the production company.

Elmo and Big Bird are no stranger to educating kids on complex issues such as homelessness, parents in prison, living with disease and dealing with what happens when people you love die.

“For years, families of children with autism have asked us to address the issue. We heard a call to use our expertise and characters to build a bridge between the autism and neurotypical communities,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, SVP of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “So many partners, advisors, and organizations have contributed to the success of this initiative, and we are thrilled to have the benefit of this collaboration as we launch this latest chapter.”

Parents like Ward will be watching to see how "Sesame Street" portrays autism through Julia.

"There are mixed emotions in the community, and many feel the show might not address the real issues," she said. "It will be interesting to see how autism is portrayed. There is certainly a huge opportunity for 'Sesame Street' to show a wide variety of issues that would be appropriate for its audience. I hope that they take advantage of that."

For more information, visit: www.sesameworkshop.org

Download Julia's Coloring Pages Here.

Images, courtesy Sesame Workshop