Meet Julia, Sesame Street's first autistic muppet

New character introduced as part of initiative to take the stigma out of autism makes TV debut on April 10

Connect with CBC News Online:

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

[shelbypaxton]

This makes me so happy. While student teaching I have worked with many kids on the spectrum and it feels nice to have some representation for them. Introducing this to kids at a young age is hopefully going to help them realize not everyone has the same social and emotional levels as they might have.

[CourtneyGrierVocals]

I watched the episode introducing Julia and she is just so adorable! She is what made me realize I might (not sure) also be on the spectrum, because of some similar habits as a child. Remembering the crushing memory of the tornado siren as a kid-- sounded as if noise could suffocate you. We were all playing in the yard when it went off as a test and I was the only one that panicked. I'd find bizarre shapes in ordinary things and not go near them because of fear. Phobias, tics and habits that were peculiar in nature but made perfect sense to me. Sesame Street has such a wonderful way about introducing characters and the show brings me to happy tears to this day!

[checkfoldcallraise]

I think she's adorable. when I was a kid in the 80's I couldn't wait for sesame street to start. It was so fun. Not only am I glad to see it still on the air, it's also nice to see the show evolve with the times.

[magicalpeanut]

I love this. Thank you! - 16 year old with aspergers

[jessepony]

This makes me feel so good I've never seen a kids show with an autistic character because my brother is actually autistic my prayers go out to all of your autistic relatibes

[iristhevampiress]

As an adult with Asperger's Syndrome who is also a huge Jim Henson's Works fan, I admit I was skeptical at first when they announced Julia would be a newcomer to the Sesame Street crew. Her behaviors and patterns are spot on with how I acted as a child so thank goodness they didn't go with a similar stigma that the 1980's movie "Rain Man" portrayed!

[bebbycute]

being diagnosed autistic and adhd (among other things) at 23 was the biggest gift for me to realize I ACTUALLY AM VERY NORMAL and actually am deeply amazing because of the amount of adversity i continuously overcome. bless sesame street for this representation as someone who has higher support needs & cannot mask.

[Potterhead-wgvz]

I saw this episode and I almost cried tears of joy. I guess there’s hope for humanity after all

[coldpizzayk]

This is one of the pure things left on this planet.

[AndrewHager]

If Julia ever met Cookie Monster, I'll bet she'd laugh at every time he'd eat a cookie. I know I did when I was a kid.

[blazebrown]

My grandson is autistic and attends Junior High he's happy about this part of his development of life, also speaks quite intelligently. I love and am proud of my grandson.
Good job Sesame Street. 👏❤🙇🙆🙏🙌❤

[PraveenSr]

I’m also on the autistic spectrum and am going to turn 39 years old this year

[donnaromano]

My daughter is autistic. Thank you Sesame Street for increasing awareness and acceptance for these awesome kids

[maryairem]

my little brother is Autistic and this is just so sweet! <3

[lanceelliott]

I really want a character with anxiety or PAD on sesame street

[sleepyyghostt]

this makes me so im autistic and i never see autistic characters in anything and this is just so

[UncVEVO]

Sesame Street is by far the best thing for kids. I wish I would've known about Sesame Street as a kid.

[toasty]

I really love that Sesame Street will tackle heavier subjects for children of the new generation.

[graphicdefault]

teens and adults arguing about a childrens tv show. Sad.

[mariadelafayette]

My cousin is autistic and this makes me so happy. I wanna show my aunt this because this is great and I just wanna say that I really love this.