Sesame Street To Introduce First Autistic Character - Julia

Via Buzzfeed:

Her introduction came with the announcement of “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.” The online initiative is designed to raise awareness of autism to reduce public stigmas and bullying in schools.

The program comes with a downloadable app featuring games, activities, stories, and videos that provide valuable resources in the care of an autistic child.

According to a Centers for Disease Control report in 2014, the prevalence of autism in the U.S. has risen to 1 in every 68 births — or nearly twice the rate of 1 in 125 in 2004.

Growing up, I always sensed "something" about my brother was not like me. It took almost 50 years for the realization (and eventual diagnosis) that my brother was mildly autistic. He was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder just a few years ago.

He functions great; takes care of himself perfectly well. But growing up, the social aspect of the condition made for some painful moments with school kids.

Good on Sesame Street for putting some spotlight on a topic kids should be exposed to at an early age so they can begin to understand the challenges kids like my brother face.