Family Friends
A video about making friends, when autism is part of the picture.
Everyone needs friends! It may take some extra support for autistic children to develop the skills for making friends, and extra support and conversation for others to develop the skills to be a friend to someone who’s autistic. Here are some ideas to help:
- Be inclusive. It may be that someone wants to play, but doesn’t know how to ask. Find something everyone likes and use specific language (“Here are some blocks to stack with us.”).
- Keep trying. It may take a few tries. If your new friend needs some space, try again at another time.
- Patience helps. An autistic person may take a little longer to respond, or may need something repeated—and may have different ways of communicating.
Lots of Ways to Participate
Julia and Elmo participate in story time, each in their own way.
Lots of Ways to Connect
This music video features Julia, Elmo, Ji-Young, and Zoe as they celebrate the many ways friends can connect with each other.
Friends Help Each Other
Elmo helps Julia get ready for a fire drill at school.
Sesame Street Communication Board
Sesame Street’s first AAC board features core vocabulary and beloved characters.
Ways To Be Kind
A drawing activity that celebrates the many ways to be a kind friend.
Building Inclusive Spaces: Tips for Supporting Our Neurodivergent Learners
An article to help parents and educators plan for success when designing inclusive activities for autistic and neurotypical children in group settings.
Sing and Color with Julia
Use this page to sing along with Julia and her friends.
