10 Amazing Moments with Julia: A Decade of Autism Acceptance on Sesame Street
10 years ago, Sesame Workshop launched See Amazing in All Children!
The initiative—designed to build bridges of awareness around autism and support children and families—stars Julia, a kind and talented autistic 4 year old girl.
Here are 10 amazing moments where Julia shone… thanks to her generous spirit, curiosity, and bright personality.
1. Twinkle, Twinkle
This heartfelt song, which Elmo and Julia shared outside 123 Sesame Street while stargazing. Watch, sing along, and enjoy all the magical, warm feelings of Twinkle, Twinkle.
2. Princess Paints-a-Lot
Julia’s passion for painting came through as she played with Abby and Rosita. Together they created a new story, “Princess Paints-a-Lot” that was as colorful and unique as their blossoming friendship.
3. No Matter What
Julia’s shown us time and again how sticking to routines can help when things are changing or uncertain. Read through No Matter What and see how the little things we can count on every day can help keep us grounded.
4. Starfish Art
Sibling relationships are wonderfully unique. Who can better boost your confidence than someone who’s watched you grow and improve from the start? In Starfish Art, Samuel (Julia’s brother) is so inspired by the special hand-hugs (or starfish hugs) he shares with Julia that he draws a starfish to enter in an art show.
5. Julia’s Family Gets Ready
It seems that the less time you have to leave the house, the harder it gets to round everyone up, or find everything you need to bring! Watch Julia, Daniel and Elena (Julia’s dad and mom), Samuel (Julia’s brother), and Rose (the family’s dog) all work together to make it to Daniel’s concert on time.
6. Each Family is Amazing
Rosita and Julia highlight the exceptional qualities of their families—both differences and similarities—in a sweet video full of warm feelings.
7. Super Helper & Where Should We Go?
Julia and her dog Rose’s relationship is quite special. And the way Julia cares for her dog offers a window into parenting autistic children in a way that encourages independence.
Try the Super Helper coloring activity to see how Julia helps Daniel (Julia’s dad) give Rose a soapy bath. Or you can take a walk with Julia, Rose and Elena (Julia’s mom) to find the right path to Cookie Monster, Abby and Elmo in the Where Should We Go? printable.
Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals. Download and share this autism-friendly coloring activity.
Where Should We Go?
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood can offer opportunities for autistic children to make choices—and have fun! Use this autism-friendly coloring activity to help kids develop their decision-making.
8. Amazing To Me
Julia has created quite a few arts and crafts, because art is her favorite. Read through Amazing To Me to see how Julia works on creative projects (that don’t always turn out right on the first try!) and try to make one yourself.
9. Helping at Home, Helping the neighborhood
Julia loves giving back to her community! In Helping at Home, Helping the Neighborhood, Julia and her family showed us how quick tasks, like washing and reusing containers, turning off lights, and donating gently used items make a big difference.
10. Remembering Our Time Together
Sharing our family stories can helps us connect better to each other and ourselves—and you never know what they can inspire! Watch the video and see how Julia’s love for art is a family trait.
Here’s to many more years of seeing amazing together with Julia and her family… and yours!
12 Sesame Street Resources for Autistic Children and the People Who Love Them
5 Ideas for Grown Ups That Let Autistic Children Shine
There are lots of exciting ways Julia practices being independent with help and guidance from her family.
Five Times Elmo Helped Us to Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder
