Sesame Street Features the First Autistic Character

STATES CHRONICLE – In awe of recent news on children bullying, Sesame Street features the first autistic character in the history of the television show. The initiative called “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” is meant to raise awareness on the social problems that autistic children have to deal with.

For those of you, who did not have the opportunity to view the new Sesame Street season, it is our pleasure to inform you that the series features a new character, Abby, who suffers from autism. Viewers learn that the character is autistic when Julia tries to vainly interact with her. Elmo comes and explains Julia that Abby is autistic and, therefore, is a little bit different.

According to producers of the American television show, Abby’s presence is supposed to bring awareness on the increasing rates of autistic children. The autistic character is also supposed to showcase the problems that these children usually face among society, including bullying.

Sesame Street wants to prove that autistic children have to be dealt with carefully because they have special ways of interacting with other people. On the other hand, they do not want people to perceive autistic children as completely different. The goal of the show is to make people realize that the differences between autistic and non-autistic children are not unsurpassed.

Abby is supposed to show viewers that autistic children want to play, too. Their interaction may be different, but in the end, they want the same thing as all children do: to make friends and play. Sesame Street hopes the new character will have an educative role, as well. Abby will show children the needs that autistic children have and will explain them why they sometimes seem to reject people around them.

Sherrie Westin, vice president of global impacts has stated that autistic children rarely look at other people when trying to interact with them. This does not mean that they want to avoid them, but simply that they are afraid and that they understand things differently. The new character is very likely to trigger awareness and empathy among other children, Westin has concluded.

Abby, the new character from Sesame Street, is also available in digital format. Producers have chosen this format because digital content is much more accessible to all categories of fans.

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