Sesame Street's newest character is Julia, a preschooler with autism

After working with Autism Speaks, Autism Self Advocacy, and other organizations, Sesame Street is introducing Julia, its first muppet character with autism.

Sesame Street has been working on the character for more than a year, and Julia is the focus of a new digital storybook called We're Amazing, 1,2,3. Michael Robb, director of research for Common Sense Media, says the book uses simple language to clearly explain autism and how Julia is "just like other kids." For Sesame Street to have a character with autism is "pretty groundbreaking," Robb told NPR, adding: "It can be difficult to start a conversation about children with disabilities. It's even harder when that difference isn't visible."

The goal is to have Julia help give children an understanding of autism spectrum disorder, and Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, said producers are waiting for feedback from the autism community before putting Julia on the television show.

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