I cannot say enough good things about "Sesame Street". As a child I watched it and my children watched it, as well. "Sesame Street" is all about helping kids learn about social situations and learning to love and accept everyone. Shoot, they even showed acceptance for grouchy people!
Recently, they introduced an initiative called "Sesame Street and Autism: Seeing Amazing in All Children." They introduced their first character named "Julia" who has autism. Elmo introduces Julia to Abby Cadabby announcing that Julia does things differently because she has autism. What a wonderful way to phrase it for young children! They never cease to amaze me at their delicate handling of sensitive topics. This will be such a productive way to encourage young kids to understand that doing something differently doesn't mean you're different. It means that you're unique and wonderful, just like every other kid.
There is a sensitive balance for children that are diagnosed with autism and such. On one hand, we have to teach children that autistic children might do things differently. On the other hand, we want to teach them that autistic children are just like everyone else. How do we accomplish this? We teach them that EVERY child is a unique being and EVERY child does things in a unique way. Some are clean and some are messy. Some like vegetables and some don't. Some are shy and some are outgoing. Some are very artistic and some are more athletic. When children learn that each of them is unique, the differences expressed in autism and other conditions become less apparent.
There is one final thought on this that I'd like to share... Children are not born with an ability to discriminate. It's taught. Sometimes it's taught by actual intolerance and sometimes it's just taught by indifference. Kids are naturally curious and they will ask questions as to why someone is "different" from them. Don't ignore it and don't shush them. Explain it much like "Sesame Street" does.... everyone is unique and wonderful. Answer their questions and educate them. Don't shame them for curiosity; instead, teach them so they learn to embrace people's differences.
Kudos to "Sesame Street" for breaking down barriers, once again!
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