12 Sesame Street Resources for Autistic Children and the People Who Love Them

Everyone belongs on Sesame Street. In 2015, Sesame Street welcomed 4-year-old Julia, a bright, creative, autistic child, to the neighborhood with open arms and hearts.

And while every month is the right month to See Amazing in all children, April is Autism Acceptance Month, which means it’s the perfect time to engage in open dialogue and foster greater empathy and understanding for autistic children and their families.

In that spirit, here are twelve games, videos, songs, activities, and resources made for autistic children and the people who love them.

1. The “We Belong” Song

Sing along with Elmo and Julia to the “We Belong” song. It’s true – you do!

The “We Belong” Song

A song about belonging.

Autism

Ages 1–6

2. A Little Bit Different, A Little Bit the Same

Flexibility can be a challenge for all children, but especially for children on the autism spectrum. Follow along with Julia in this storybook, which is all about structures, routines, and “mixing it up.”

A Little Bit Different, A Little Bit the Same

A storybook on adjusting to small changes.

Autism

Ages 3+

3. Saying Hello

There are so many ways to say hello – and some of them don’t involve saying anything at all! Watch this video to learn more about all the different ways that friends can communicate with each other.

Saying Hello

A video about all the different ways of communicating.

Autism

Ages 1–6

4. Everyday Routines

Small steps will still get you to the finish line. This fun game helps children to break everyday routines into smaller steps so that they go smoothly.

Making Everyday Routines Go More Smoothly

Break everyday routines into small steps.

Autism

Ages 1–6

5. Sibling Guide

Every member of the family has feelings that are valuable. These printable pages help the siblings of autistic children to explore their many thoughts and feelings.

Sibling Guide

Four printable pages to help siblings of autistic children explore their thoughts and feelings.

Autism

Ages 1–6

6. Thomas’s Story

Watch this video of an autistic boy named Thomas and learn more about his way of interacting with the world around him.

Thomas’s Story

A video about the different ways autistic children communicate.

Autism

Ages 1–6

7. Being a Friend

Everyone needs friends. Kids and adults alike might find this article, all about being a good friend, helpful as they build a deeper understanding of autism.

Being a Friend

An article about ways to be a good friend to an autistic child.

Autism

Ages 1–6

8. A Change in Plans

A change in plans can be a challenge for all children, and especially for those with autism. Print out this coloring page and invite children to imagine that sometimes, a new plan is even more fun than the first one.

A Change in Plans

A printable about making alternate plans.

Autism

Ages 1–6

9. Meeting Unique Needs

Every child has unique needs that need to be met. This video explores some of the different strategies caretakers can use to meet those needs.

Meeting Unique Needs

A video about coping when things seem overwhelming.

Autism

Ages 1–6

10. A Sibling Story

Families stick together no matter what. Children and adults alike can learn from this video all about families and autism.

A Sibling Story

A video about the role of siblings in families touched by autism.

Autism

Ages 1–6

11. A Day in the Life

Watch this sweet video for a look into the daily life and experiences of one autistic child.

A Day in the Life of a Child With Autism

A look into one child’s life and perspective.

Autism

Ages 1–6

12. Draw Me In

Everyone wants to feel like they belong, and on Sesame Street, they do. These printable coloring pages give children the opportunity to draw themselves into the Sesame Street community.