This Is Julia, Sesame Street's First Character with Autism

(Image: Mary Beth Nelson)

Sesame Street Workshop wants to reach out to children with autism and their parents. It now offers an array of resources for this condition, including a new character. Julia is a friend of Elmo and Abby Cadabby. She's in a new online storybook that is designed to teach children how to interact with other kids who have autism. People magazine talked to Sesame Street executive Jeanette Betancourt:

"This is what makes our project so unique," says Dr. Betancourt. "When we explain from a child's point of view that there are certain behaviors, such as slapping their hands or making noises, to express excitement or unhappiness, it helps younger children to understand how to interact with their autistic peers. It makes children more comfortable and therefor more inclusive." 

-via Huffington Post