Did you know 1 in 42 boys are diagnosed with autism but only 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States? Sesame Street has recently gone viral for them announcing Julia, the first muppet with autism ever to come to Sesame Street. Until recently I didn’t know why they decided to pick a girl character versus a boy. Than I read an LA Times piece that cleared that up for me.
Sherrie Westin, Sesame Workshop’s EVP told the Times…
“We made sure she was a girl namely because autism is seen so much more often in boys. We wanted to make it clear that girls can be on the spectrum, too. We’re trying to eliminate misconceptions, and a lot of people think that only boys have autism.”
Here’s to spreading awareness for the diagnosis of both boys and girls on the autism spectrum!
Sesame Street’s first Muppet with autism aims to end stigma, promote understanding: https://t.co/m2wtKh9KWc pic.twitter.com/K8i4UZCsA3
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 22, 2015
Like this post? If so you may also like…
Autism: A Letter to Demi Lovato Who Reminded Me That ‘I Am Enough’
12 Dr. Seuss Quotes That Inspire Our Disability Community!
Good Morning America Highlights Julia, The First Muppet with Autism!