Sesame Street to Focus on Autism
The nonprofit behind Big Bird, Elmo and Abby Cadabby is launching a new effort to reduce stigma surrounding kids with autism and help those with the developmental disorder learn life skills.
Through a new initiative dubbed “See Amazing in All Children,” Sesame Workshop said it will create digital tools to help children with autism learn to play with others and complete everyday activities like brushing teeth, getting dressed and trying new foods.
In addition, the organization said it will use Sesame Street’s brand and characters to educate the public about autism and emphasize that kids on the spectrum are much like their typically developing peers.
“This has become one of the most widely-discussed topics in childhood development, yet we have found that there’s a lack of understanding among the general public about children with autism,” said Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop’s senior vice president for community and family engagement. “Sesame Workshop has a long history of addressing diversity, acceptance and inclusion, and we felt we could play a critical role in reducing misconceptions by highlighting the commonalities children with autism share with all children.”
Beyond its efforts aimed at children, Sesame Workshop said it also plans to work with Exceptional Minds, a Sherman Oaks, Calif. vocational center that teaches young adults with autism computer animation and post-production skills, to help create content.
The original article was published here on Disability Scoop: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/04/04/sesame-street-autism/19257/
Together, we can unlock your child’s potential
Related News
10/07/2025
PECS and Its Use in ABA Therapy – Lighthouse Autism Center
The picture exchange communication system, or PECS, is a teaching system that can help an autistic child or another individual with speech difficulties improve their communication skills. We take a look at PECS’ role in ABA therapy and unpack how it works. What Is the PECS System and How Is It Used In ABA Therapy? […]
08/13/2025
ABA Therapy Tips for Taking Your Autistic Child to the Dentist
Taking Your Autistic Child to the Dentist For any child, and even adults, a trip to the dentist can often be filled with anxiety, fear, and discomfort. For a autistic child, especially, these feelings can be even further heightened by sensitivities to noise, smell, and touch. To make this experience better for both the child […]
08/13/2025
Tips for House Hunting with Your Child on the Spectrum
Guidance for Families with Children with Autism when Moving Moving is always a stressful and complicated endeavor. But when you have a child on the autism spectrum, the thought of packing up your household and moving somewhere new can seem like a near-impossible task. Parents often worry that their children will get overwhelmed by this […]