Who Is the New Muppet on “Sesame Street”?

For the first time in a decade, a new Muppet will move into the neighborhood on Sesame Street. Julia, a character with autism, will debut on 10 April 2017, and it is hoped that her inclusion in the show will help children learn about autism and embrace its differences. The character will be brought to life by puppeteer Stacey Gordon, whose son is on the autism spectrum. The frequency of autism diagnoses has shot up in recent years, and the CDC now estimates that one in 68 children are on the autism spectrum.

Meet Julia:

• Julia made her debut in a digital storybook in 2015, as part of a larger Sesame Street campaign to connect with autistic children and their families.
• “We realized if we brought her to life appearing in Sesame Street on air as well, she would have even more impact [and] be able to reach even more children," explained Sherrie Westin, an executive vice president at Sesame Workshop.
• Sesame Street has been at the forefront of bringing delicate subjects to its young audience. The show has previously tackled difficult topics such as divorce, incarceration, and grief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the newest addition to the "Sesame Street" Muppet family?

The latest Muppet to join the "Sesame Street" cast is a character designed to represent and raise awareness about children living with autism. This character is part of Sesame Street's initiative to provide a better understanding of the autism spectrum and to promote inclusivity among its young audience.

What is the name of the new Muppet on "Sesame Street"?

The new Muppet's name is Julia. She is a young girl with bright red hair and a cheerful smile, who happens to be autistic. Julia was introduced to help viewers understand and appreciate the diversity of the human experience, especially among children with developmental differences.

When was the new Muppet introduced to "Sesame Street"?

Julia made her first appearance on "Sesame Street" in 2017. Since her debut, she has become an integral part of the show, helping to teach children about acceptance and empathy through her interactions with other characters on the program.

What are some of the characteristics of Julia, the new Muppet on "Sesame Street"?

Julia exhibits traits that are characteristic of some children with autism. She is sometimes less verbal and can be highly sensitive to sensory stimuli. However, she also enjoys playing, laughing, and engaging with her friends on "Sesame Street," showing that while she may do things differently, she shares many common interests with her peers.

How has the introduction of Julia impacted the "Sesame Street" audience?

Julia's presence on "Sesame Street" has had a positive impact, with many families expressing gratitude for the representation of autism in mainstream media. According to Sesame Workshop, the introduction of Julia has sparked important conversations about autism and has helped to promote understanding and acceptance among children and adults alike.

What educational goals does "Sesame Street" aim to achieve with the character of Julia?

"Sesame Street" aims to use Julia to educate viewers about autism and to demonstrate that every child is unique. The show's creators hope to foster a nurturing environment that encourages children to be kind and accepting of each other's differences. By doing so, they strive to create a more inclusive world for children with autism.