Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. In the U.S., 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with ASD.

This disorder may not be unknown, however public understanding of what autism is still has a long way to go. According to some studies, children with autism are five times more likely to be bullied than their peers.

Sesame Street has decided to help to raise awareness of autism by creating a new character, a girl called Julia who has ASD. Author Leslie Kimmelman, who has a son who was diagnosed with autism 20 years ago, wrote the first storybook: ¨We are amazing 1,2,3!¨

The storybook, which is available online, tells the story of a play date between Elmo, Julia and Abby and how even if Julia does things a little bit differently than the others, they all enjoy a delightful day.

Sesame Workshop has also created “Sesame Street and Autism: See the Amazing in All Children,” a nationwide initiative created for children ages 2 to 5, but also for their families and friends. It offers real stories, information about the disorder and different activities like songs or daily routine cards.