Julia, Sesame Street muppet with autism, prepares for TV debut

April 5, 2017

Sesame Street's newest muppet, Julia, met autism advocates and the press at an event held at the Capitol and hosted by actress Holly Robinson Peete. Julia made headlines recently after a segment on 60 Minutes announced that she would be joining Elmo, Big Bird and the other muppets of Sesame Street on the TV show. 

Host, Holly Robinson Peete has a son on the autism spectrum and has been an advocate for many years, even launching her own organization, The HollyRod Foundation. 

 “I always like to say I wouldn’t change my son for the world but I would like to change the world for my son,” said Peete.

Julia was joined by fellow muppets Elmo and Abbey Cadabby at the event. Pennsylvania Congressman and long-time autism advocate Mike Doyle spoke at the event. In 2001, Doyle and New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith founded the congressional "Coalition for Autism Research and Education."

Watch a video from the event below.

The 1st public reveal of the new @sesamestreet muppet, Julia, who has autism. Joined by @hollyrpeete and another muppet, Abby. pic.twitter.com/5nRgHCeR4A

— Alex Gangitano (@AlexGangitano) April 4, 2017

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