Today marks five years of Sesame Workshop’s “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” initiative dedicated to showing that all kids — autistic and neurotypical alike — are amazing in their own ways. Families can check out new videos and activities launching today featuring themes of friendship and belonging.
The new resources are available for free in both English and Spanish and include two new videos featuring Julia, a 4-year-old autistic Sesame Street Muppet, along with her brother Sam and new friend Wes, who recently moved to Sesame Street. In the “Julia Meets Wes” video, Sam introduces Wes to Julia, and together, they find different ways to play while respecting each other’s boundaries and needs. The “We Belong” song stars Julia, Elmo, Abby, and Wes singing about belonging. There is a printable lyric sheet that families can use to sing along at home.
Kids can also print out a coloring sheet featuring Julia and Sam playing dress-up with their new friend Wes. There is also a “Five Steps to Relationships of Belonging and Flourishing” article for parents and caregivers, written from the perspective of a parent of two kids with disabilities.
Japan is celebrating World Autism Day on April 2 with appearances by Sesame Street characters at the Tokyo Tower Blue Light Up event. In addition, Sesame Place San Diego recently announced its designation as a Certified Autism Center, joining Sesame Place Philadelphia with the certification. Throughout April, Sesame Place parks, Busch Gardens parks, and SeaWorld Orlando will distribute free storybooks and offer meet and greets with Julia and friends for visitors. Guests at Beaches Resorts can participate in art activities and meet and greets with Julia at three resort locations — all of which are Certified Autism Centers.
Other “See Amazing in All Children” resources include information on family bonding, making friends, coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and topics on routines and flexibility.
