Sesame Introduces First Character with Autism Sesame Street wants to introduce you to Julia – Elmo and Abby Cadabby’s new friend. Julia has autism. To combat the stigma and isolation often experienced by children with autism and their families, Sesame Street recently embarked on a nationwide initiative, “See Amazing in All Children.” The initiative is an extension of Sesame Street’s work around diversity, acceptance and kindness. “Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied,” Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of community and family engagement at Sesame Workshop, told People magazine. “And with one in 68 children having autism, that’s a lot of bullying. Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences.” Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children resources are available online to all children and families. Children’s Council also has a limited number of printed copies of the storybook. If you or your child care provider are interested in receiving a copy, please email our Resource & Referral department. More about Sesame and Children’s Council Earlier this year, Children’s Council of San Francisco was selected as one of only three organizations nationwide chosen to pilot Sesame Workshop for Child Resilience: Little Children, Big Challenges, a curriculum by the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Thirty families and child care providers participated in the workshops, which focused on social-emotional development and building resiliency by helping children cope with such issues as moving, divorce and grief. As part of this unique curriculum, child development experts at Sesame Workshop created printed materials for parents and caregivers with practical tips they can use in everyday situations. To request a Sesame Workshop kit, call 415.276.2900 or email us. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn.