Sesame Street shines light on autism

If you’re a parent of a child who has autism, you know how important it can be for others to be kind, understanding and respectful. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, is introducing its newest social impact initiative,Sesame Street and Autism:See Amazing in All Children.

For over 45 years, Sesame has created initiatives that serve vulnerable children and families with challenges including divorce, incarceration, emergency preparedness, food insecurity, financial insecurity and grief. While the focus on autism is frequently on what makes children different, what is often is forgotten are the qualities, talents, and desires that make each and every  child uniquely amazing. To deliver on its mission to help all kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder, Sesame Workshop created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at families with children ages 2 to 5.

Developed with input from parents of children with and without autism, community providers offering services to families touched by autism, and people with autism themselves, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children offers families step-by-step ways to simplify everyday activities and overcome common challenges. Featuring the loveable Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Grover, Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children will introduce a story book that features their new friend Julia-an illustrated autistic preschool girl who does things a little differently. Through a variety of uniquely developed multimedia materials, this initiative not only seeks to support families with everyday routines, but demonstrates the commonalities that kids with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) share with all children, as well as help reduce stigma around ASD.