Sesame Workshop releases new resources for Autism Acceptance month

Sesame Workshop has released new resources in honour of Autism Acceptance Month, focusing on belonging and artistic expression. 

 

The new content features Julia and her friends Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Rosita, and Rudy and includes videos, a storybook, and printable activity guides connected with the global Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative.

 

Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of autism, foster greater empathy and understanding, and support families with free resources to help them navigate everyday moments.

 

More than 250 organisations and experts first came together in 2015 in support of the initiative, with the newly released resources adding to Sesame Workshop’s extensive library of content for autistic children and their families. 

 

“We continue our commitment to autistic children and families by celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with new resources,” Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop said. 

 

“We work to create a world where all children are appreciated for who they are. Through Julia and her Sesame friends, we demonstrate belonging to be more than simply being accepted. It is also being part of a community where each person is safe and valued.”

 

Addressing topics from working together to celebrating being part of the community, the new resources include:

 

• Two new videos featuring Julia and her Sesame Street friends: In Princess Paint A Lot, Julia, Abby and Rosita create a story together about a princess who loves to paint. And in Julia’s Needed, Elmo and Rudy need Julia’s help and artistic expertise as they paint a rainbow together.

 

• A new storybook celebrating teamwork and belonging called “Julia and the Super-Sunny

           Celebration” is available digitally in English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

 

• Three new printable pages encourage children’s creativity by prompting them to create a self-portrait and inserting themselves into different scenes from storybooks like “Family Forever” and “Super- Sunny Celebration.”

 

See Amazing in All Children resources include topics on family bonding, making friends, coping with the pandemic, and routines and flexibility. Additional resources are tailored for providers and parents and caregivers.

To access the resources please visit the Sesame Workshop website.