Sesame Street Muppets Join Researchers and Advocates to Discuss Early Results of Autism Initiative
WASHINGTON (March 29, 2017) – Sesame Street’s newest neighbor, Julia, a Muppet who has autism, goes to the Hill with her friend Abby Cadabby as researchers discuss preliminary findings from an impact study evaluating the Sesame Workshop initiative “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.” Acclaimed actress, author, and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, founder of the HollyRod Foundation, will moderate the panel discussion.
The Sesame initiative, launched in 2015, aims to reduce stigma and build understanding about autism spectrum disorder. In 2016, Sesame Workshop contracted Georgetown University Medical Center, in collaboration with Children’s National Health System, to conduct real-world testing of the initiative’s online materials, including videos, daily routine cards, and an ebook, written by Leslie Kimmelman, called “We’re Amazing, 1,2,3!” All of the resources can be accessed for free at sesamestreet.org/autism.
Preliminary findings from the study will be presented and discussed during an expert panel session at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. These high-level results will provide early insight into the usefulness of the initiative’s resources for parents of children both with and without autism.
WHAT:
“Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” preliminary research results and panel discussion.
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 4, 2016; 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room HVC-201AB
First Street and East Capitol Street
Washington, DC
WHO:
Julia, a Muppet with autism
Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street’s resident fairy and Julia’s friend
Holly Robinson Peete, actress, author, philanthropist, and panel moderator
Bruno Anthony, PhD, deputy director, Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University Medical Center, and the study’s lead investigator
Laura Anthony, PhD, clinical psychologist, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Children’s National
Jeanette Betancourt, Ed.D, Senior Vice President U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop
Julia Bascom, Executive Director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network
An executive summary of the findings will be available at the event and online after the event concludes at http://autism.sesamestreet.org/what-weve-learned/
An image of Julia, Elmo and Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children is attached below for your use with this attribution: copyright 2017 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.
About Georgetown University Medical Center
Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC’s mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — or “care of the whole person.” The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. Connect with GUMC on Facebook (Facebook.com/GUMCUpdate), Twitter (@gumedcenter) and Instagram (@gumedcenter).
About Children’s National Health System
Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National is ranked in the top 20 in every specialty evaluated by U.S. News & World Report; one of only four children’s hospitals in the nation to earn this distinction. Designated a Leapfrog Group Top Hospital and a two-time recipient of Magnet® status, this pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty outpatient centers. Home to the Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is one of the nation’s top NIH-funded pediatric institutions. Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re active in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.
