I've been slowly hyperfixated on Julia an autistic character on sesame street I see a lot of represntaion of me in Julia an I've watched the same YouTube episodes over an over of Julia an I know they eventually used autism speaks as a psa after doing so well working with asan but I really what this plushie of her an I'm wondering if you think it's worth it ? Is it okay to have things an buy into my hyperfixation I haven't done it before I just want the one plush but shipping is so much my dad said we could go to sesame street an pick her up instead I think this would be awesome but I'm 20 years old do you think it would be okay to do this?
Welp I was just told that Im not an autistic child so I shouldn't like Julia from sesame Street an that I don't need to stuffed toy doll
There are at least three characters - Bert, Telly, and the Count - who debuted decades before Julia and demonstrate behavior that is typical of people on the spectrum. I have autism myself and related very much to the Count when I watched the show as a little kid.
When I first saw “We are Amazing 123” on the news, I was so happy. A year later when I heard about Julia is going to be an actual muppet and appearing in an episode, I was so excited. After I watched “Meet Julia” for the first time, I was happy as a clam.
However, since I am now older... Sesame Street does have problems of showing Julia’s character. Before we get into it, let’s get into the positives. I think it’s a good move for Alan explaining to Big Bird of what Autism is by saying “For Julia”. That means not everyone with autism is the same.
What I really love Julia about is that she reminds me a lot like myself during my early childhood. We are both sensitive to sounds and textures, cares a comfort toy around, not very verbal, enjoys singing, doesn’t answer right away, and notices small details right details. However, unlike Julia... I did not do hand flapping.
There is this one book where it does the best job showing Julia’s character is “Circle of Friends”. It’s about Julia going into day camp for the first time. She was nervous at first but once she heard about she can play all day, she is excited. While Julia is eating lunch, she saw a boy being mean to another boy by taking his stuffed animal anyway. Julia yelled “no” to the boy as her older brother, Samuel tells the teacher.
Later, when Julia saw the boy sitting in “The Circle of Friendship”, she decides to join and play with him. The boy is named Randy and has autism. Unlike Julia, aside being a little older; he talks a lot. What I really like about Randy is how he represents older kids with kids or not everyone with autism is the same. He could be Julia’s first real friend which you will soon find out why when I talk about her other “friends”. Anyways, it also shows how people with autism can be empathetic or have compassion.
Now, let’s get into the negatives. For 90% of the media she’s in, she is a plot device... not a character. Another sad thing is that sometimes Julia is portrayed like those unscripted kids that talk to the muppets. Worst of all, her “friends”, Abby, Elmo, and Rosita talks down on her.
this is what they did yesterday.
Today, not only did they show the ad from yesterday, they also showed an ad with Julia from Sesame Street. At the end of said ad, one of the sponsors is that large anti-autistic hate group.
Irritable Vowel Syndrome.
julia makes me feel seen in a way no other autistic portrayal has. shout out to sesame street! i hope that other autistic people also feel seen through julia and i hope she's helped educate non autistic children as well.
(First up: Arthur)
Pros:
-Have a great balance of Carl’s skills and difficulties
-George talks to Carl like any other kid while understanding his disorder
-I can tell Carl is voiced by an actual autistic boy because I talk a lot like him
-The way how Alan describe what Asperger’s is. What’s makes it better is how he said it’s way how his uncle described rather than the definitive definition.
Con:
-The hidden promotion of Autism Speaks. Original title of Carl’s debut is “The Missing Puzzle Piece” and the plot device of that episode is George accidentally taking Carl’s puzzle piece. Luckily, Arthur has learned their mistake. Where they changed the title to “When Carl Met George.”
(Next: Sesame Street)
Pros:
-Have a great balance of Julia’s skills and difficulties
-The way how Alan describes of what autism is by saying “for Julia”. Which means not every autistic person is the same
-Julia’s family… I love these guys. They are so understanding towards Julia and doesn’t talk down on her.
-They briefly added another autistic character named Randy in the digital book “Circle of Friends” where is a bit different than Julia
-Julia is compassionate
-The whole idea for Julia is show that it’s okay to be different
Cons:
-Julia is a plot device… most of the time
-Elmo and Abby baby talks towards Julia
-The partnership with Autism Speaks
He’s been ostrich-ized by the community.
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