Sesame Workshop just released 12 new videos featuring kids with autism, the second phase of its amazing Sesame Street and Autism initiative. As with the previous video releases, they worked on them with a coalition of some 250 organizations along with the autism communit.
Just a few minutes long, the videos feature children and teens with autism, along with some siblings and parents. The messages—of uniqueness, acceptance, appreciation and understanding—apply to kids with any special needs. And they're great for typically developing kids and their parents to watch, too. I love this one girl's quote in What Do You Want Kids to Know About Autism?: "It just makes you yourself, no matter if you're...if you can't speak or you can't concentrate, just be yourself and that's what makes it good inside your heart."
Below, a sampling of the new videos. I'll leave you with a favorite quote from one of the older ones: "This special needs life, I see it almost like a track and field team," says a mom in Meeting Unique Needs. "You know, like you need to stay in your lane. There will always be someone who's making more progress than your kid, someone who's just doing so awesome, you know, and you feel like 'My kid's not there yet.' I would say to stay in your lane. Look at your kid, the goals you have for your kid, and start there."
What Makes You Amazing?
What Are Your Favorite Things?
What Do You Want Kids to Know About Autism?
Image: What Makes You Amazing?
