In honor of Autism Acceptance Day, Sesame Workshop is expanding its “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” initiative with brand new videos and activities featuring Julia, a 4-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, as well as a new episode on HBO and PBS Kids.
The resources, available for free in English and Spanish on sesamestreet.org/autism, show children that we can all be superheroes when we help one another — highlighting that all children are amazing in their own ways. The resources provide coping strategies for parents of children with autism, supporting them as they adjust to a “for-now” normal while still addressing their children’s unique needs.
The resources released today include:
- Coronavirus-related tips for families with autistic children, including language and strategies for providing comfort, creating routines, and staying physically and psychologically healthy as a family.
- “Super Fluffster,” an animation created in partnership with Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit training academy and professional studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and other digital arts fields. In the animation, Julia and her big brother Samuel make up an imaginary story about her beloved stuffed bunny Fluffster, who swoops in to save the day for their neighbors.
- Original videos starring Julia, her family, and Sesame Street friends, with stories about playing well together and story time with Julia’s mom and companion dog Rose.
- New articles and printable activities, including strategies for parents and caregivers to help children cope with—and even embrace—changes in their everyday routines.
Complementing the new materials, HBO and PBS KIDS will premiere a Julia-focused episode on April 6, the “Fluffster Kerfuffle.” The episode is centered around learning how to play well together — which might look a little different for Julia.
For more activities and resources for your family to do while staying safe at home, click here.
