What To Know About Being A Good Friend To Someone With Autism, According To Sesame Street | TODAY 

Julia always lookin at Alan is just adorable

Julia's puppeteer is brilliant. When Alan opens the letter at 1:47, she's immediately drawn to the colors and patterns on the envelope. Even puts her hand up a little to reach out to it. Just an absolutely brilliant puppeteer.

My son is 7 has autism and is OBSESSED with sesame street Julia is already our fav character ♡ they are doing such a great job teaching everyone about autism ♡ way to go sesame street ♡

elmo ur mic is peaking bro

The only thing is, I wish they'd asked *Julia* what things she wished people would do to include her. I know she has difficulty talking, but it would have been a way to show acceptance of that, too.

That was really a good show. I have a son with autism so I was happy to see them talking about how to relate to an autistic child. It’s important to understand that every child is different, and it takes time to get to know them. New situations are difficult , if at all possible, tell them what is going to be happening, a few times, before it happens. Try to speak softly, to an autistic child, using simple easy to understand language. be very calm, as they get easily nervous by raised voices. Don’t expect eye contact. It is very difficult for them. Their response may take you by surprise, it’s all good. They are amazing people.

As an adult with autism, other ways that children/adults with autistic friends can help include understanding when something is wrong, giving them time out when needed, teaching them games if they don’t know the rules, allowing them to pick the activity sometimes (especially if they’re having a bad day), understanding their more confusing behaviours (ie stimming) and why they do them and, if they have the same interests but in different branches, integrate them together so they have more fun together. Some of my favourite things to do are play video games, arts and crafts, animals and watch animations: my friends either introduce me to new crafts, teach me new techniques and show me animations they like as well as talk about their pets or favourite animals (regarding the video games, I’ll either teach my friends how to play my favourites/games I like or they’ll recommend titles for me to try). There are lots of ways for friends to have fun together and it doesn’t matter what their struggles are, whether it is autism, epilepsy, a learning disability, a chronic illness, an illness of any type or even if they come from a different country or culture, but as long as you enjoy each other’s company and create wonderful experiences together, the world is a very beautiful place when you have a friend by your side.

Never call it autism awareness month, it's autism acceptance month

She acts perfecly the hole time! I'm a fan of Julia!

As someone who has autism, Julia is hands down the most relatable being I have ever seen, fictional or not. I absolutely adore her. Although I am further up on the spectrum than she is, we have loads of similarities between our autistic ways. I seriously hope I meet Julia some day and just give her the best starfish hug imaginable. She is hands down the greatest thing that Sesame Street has created, and I can't thank them enough for bringing her to life. Long live Julia!!

julia is literally so cute, her stroking alan's arm can mean quite a few things, either she wants to show she's paying attention even if she doesn't seem to be, it's a comfort thing to know that he's right there next to her, that she might want more individual attention, or it's a sensory thing. julia is an amazing character and i adore her

I'm an adult with Autism and I love Sesame Street. It may not be "cool" for me to always watch a show aimed for kids, but it's things like this that really make me happy. I like Julia and Rosita and Lily and all the different characters that help me understand the world better. Watching this made me feel really happy!

This is so sweet! I don't have autism, just asperger's syndrome but this is really cute helping children learn about autism, and I have another thing to say for autism awareness, no one should ever bully someone with autism just because they act differently from one and the other, always treat others the way you want to be treated even people with autism!

Julia reminds me so much of a kid I work with, right down to the way she speaks and plays, her love of art, and her stuffed animal! I hope lots of kids see themselves in Julia, because I know I would've loved to see her when I was growing up!

I love this. When i was little I was non verbal, didn’t make eye contact, I stayed in my room all the time. Now I’m very social, give eye contact, am very social, and have lots of friends. So glad their inclusive of everyone despite their differences

I really wish Julia was introduced to the show when I was a kid I have autism myself and it's been really hard to deal with growing up in 2006 when autism wasn't something the kids in my class knew about and every one would bully me its been really hard growing up with something the other kids didn't understand

I love that Sesame is including, embracing, and representing even more unique individuals so that kids can learn how to be understanding and receptive. Thank you!

A lot of people I know I need to watch this video. I have mild autism and a lot of people make assumptions about me or don’t treat me correctly or mock things I do such as my hand flapping.

Omg Alan! I remember watching you on Sesame Street when I was little! I’m 20 years old now but Sesame Street taught me so much

This show is so pure and sweet. I love how they teach about important things like autism ❤️

I wish they did this sooner but nonetheless I’m SO GLAD THEY DID IT!!

Elmo's mic seems to be too loud haha.

I have a kid in my class with autism and this really helped

I always loved how Big Bird was all like "Oh she's shy," and Alan was like, "Uh... yeah...yeah, well it's not just that...."

I thought I saw somewhere that Julia has an older brother. Are they ever going to put him on the show? I think it would be great to have a sibling’s perspective.

sesame street did a great job representing the spectrum and how autism is different for everyone

Im glad children today have shows like these to know about autism. I never knew about autism up until being in a class with a boy who has autism in middle school. And even then no one really explained to me what autism was. I just knew he acted differently than others. Now im in college and I am much more knowledgeable on the topic of autism. I know not everyone is exposed to learning about others who may have learning disabilities or physical disabilities but its shows like these that help us learn more and be more accepting and sensitive to their needs.

I have autism mine is moderate autism with Intellectual disability and at school selective mutism so at school I communicate through a iPad an I’m proud of my autism

Julia is my favorite character!!!

I have autism and I watch videos with Julia in it because I just love how sweet and cute she is and makes me think back to what this would of thought people who didn't know what to look for in people like me who have autism but didn't know it till I was 19

There should be more disabled Sesame Street Muppets like maybe a Muppet with Cerebral Palsy, a Muppet with Dwarfism, a blind Muppet, a Deaf Muppet who can teach ASL. And so many more. What do you think?

This is just so pure

I am such a fan of Julia! Thank you for bringing awareness!

I love this it's so awesome to see more people bringing light on this subject. I myself have loved ones in my life with Autism and I find a lot of people have no understanding about Autism so this makes me feel so happy of the inclusion that Sesame street is doing to help more Awareness and to help these children learn to understand and make friends xxx

this video touched my brother's heart he enjoyed this episode very much, he is not young but he was happy that sesame street addressed autism on a show he grew up with watching it with me. when he saw this episode he was very appreciative.(my brother has autism)

i recently joined Best Buddies and my new friend (we call them our “buddy”) and i felt like he was ignoring me and didn’t like me. but it took some time and some repeating of things to get him to talk to me. now we’re friends and i see him every morning before class and he gets excited to see me

Thanks for bringing awareness of autism, because I, myself, have autism! My parents should watch this. Good job!

Amazing! As someone with autism myself, I like to stick to a routine everyday... And any changes (minor or major) can be very annoying...

If I ever meet Julia at Sesame Place, I'd be really excited!

She’s cute 😍 I like how she keep looking at her 🧸

could captions be added please? as an autistic adult myself i am finding elmo too loud and alan too quiet.

(0:01) The very first original Sesame Street theme. I miss the classic theme with the harmonica solo.

hello today i have autism too my ears and nose are really super sensative

This is the sweetest.

This is kinda nitpick-y but I don’t really like how they kept saying “people with autism”, “has autism”. I know they meant well but it makes it sound like we have a disease when we don’t. I know the word “autistic” can kind of come of as an insult but we prefer it to “person with autism”. Other than that, this video was very helpful.

Love Alan Muraoka.

5:59 elmo is my friend 🥺🥺🥺

I have autism too and I like Julia a lot! I like Autism Awareness Day.

😭♥️♥️♥️ beautiful story of today

1:40 when Julia said “play with Elmo?” I found that so cute 🥺

I think Temple Grandin should guest star in this show

Hello I'm Alan AnD eLmOs ELmO!!

Sesame Street.... I love it 💕

0:12 6:12

For once, a Sesame Street video you can comment on

When I first saw 'Meet Julia" I was so happy and couldn't stop crying. My brother is on the spectrum, and I remember how other kids in middle school used to tease my brother on the bus. I wish the kids in our school had seen something like this when we were younger. Then they probably would have understood my brother a little better. I know that Julia doesn't represent every person on the autism spectrum, but it was good to see Elmo, Abby, and the other characters want to play with her and are empathetic and understanding.

It’s hard to live life with autism.

Is Alan the only one left from the original series? I thought Gordon was still around too

I have autism I'm now 30

This made me cryyyyy I love it sooooooo muchhh

My dream is to be a Co star on Sesame Street i am an actor from Australia. but i just love seeing the street and the hard work and time that people put in. sometimes i dream on being on sesame street. it always looks like people are having a great time with the gang.

Alan is not here parent right? I want to know how Julia's parents look llike

Hi Sesame Street, I love you so much. I remember watching you guys when I was so little.

I 💖 Julia from Sesame Street!!!

0:12 0:18 0:19 6:12

I have austim myself.

Sesame street did a pretty good job at teaching kids about autism and how to accept and appreciate someone for who they really are. Temple grandin should also hang out with Julia because for temple she wanted to prevent myths, stigma, stereotypes, misinformation and discrimination about autism and other disabilities that's plain wrong.

Any other people with autism here?

Im a little kid with autism

i love the today show

Shoving it down aren't they

In big W they have Julia dolls with sensory fabric inside

I lovr my furbies!

Not a to loud voice, just clear

Does julia ever get stuck in a loop? On a subject etc? That she needs help getting out of. Also i know people say kids spend too much time of RU-vid but today my son was able to have a on topic, eye contact 10 minute conversation with one of the therapists at his center over a hat merchandise one of the therapists was wearing. And just writing that has tears in my eyes.

I Love Julia. She and Elmo are very Good Friends

8ii wanna be frineds with julia and elmo and the random guy

When the Muppet Julia was created. The creators were like “I want a Muppet that they can see themselves as”

I have autism and my birthday is in April

Julia is a cutie.

Sesame Street really did a good jop with using a femaale autistic character. So sad that some peaple think that only males can have Autism. Wouldn't be suprised if that is the main reason why my teacher bullied me and stated i coudn't possibally autistic. She litterly went: "go too the cornor and think what you did wrong" whenever i had a meltdown. Worst highschool year ever. Both Julia and Cookie Monster share mmy number 1 favorite characters in Sesame Street.

0:00 0:12 6:12

These days kids with autism always holds a special place in their parents heart . Autism is not really a bad thing , but it's a special thing that kids have and I think Julia is very special to have people that really cares about everyone 😊😊 This teach parents that having autism is not a bad thing but a special gift 😊

And Elmo's ELMO!

0:19

0:15 “And Elmo’s Elmo”. Okay but...........who’s Elmo?

What is up with Elmo's microphone in this?

Here’s a potentially ignorant question. I am an adult with high functioning autism, if I find a wife, will my kids be on the spectrum?

Elmo talks too loud!

I'm autistic too but not as severe as Julia.

0:18

HI

I am autistic and Elmo is destroying my ears

Sesame Street is the best.

My autism is masked by my Bipolar disorder.

I have a friend who has autism he works with me in my kitchen I work in the food service department at wayne ARC in upstate new York near Rochester

julia is the ceo of the babie club

I remember years ago during the 60s when sesame Street first started how big bird portrayed as having some kind of disabilities the way he was always kind of slow witted.

I hated puppets when I was little girl

I have autism, and it’s honestly really sad knowing that I’ll never fit into society the way other people do, which scares me