Autistic kids often struggle with stigma in their families, in their schools - and just about everywhere. Some advocates even say they are more at risk of bullying. But where to begin turning perceptions of the disorder around - and explaining it to other kids?
Sesame Street has decided to take a stab at it. On Thursday, the franchise introduced a new character in an online story: Julia, who has autism.
"More than 20 years ago, my beautiful son received the diagnosis of autism, and my world changed instantly and profoundly," Leslie Kimmerman, the story's author, wrote on the Sesame Street website. "I knew nothing about autism, and it seemed that those around me - even the professionals - didn't know much either. Today, happily, that has changed."
In the story, called We're Amazing 1, 2, 3, Elmo's friend Julia meets Abby, and Elmo explains why Julia might behave in unexpected ways, including not making eye contact and being startled by noises others might not notice.
"Elmo's daddy told Elmo that Julia has autism," Elmo explains. "So she does things a little differently. Sometimes Elmo talks to Julia using fewer words and says the same thing a few times."
