Autism Resources by Sesame Street

I played this music video as I started writing and my kids swarmed me, halfway sitting on me, arms around my head! They were totally drawn to the sounds of Elmo, Abby, and Grover celebrating Autism!

We have come a long way with the resources available for children, adults, and families that are affected by Autism. Sesame Street has created an initiative called “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children.” While these are focused on younger children, I think the positive messages, fun, and characters are ones that all ages can connect with easily. Consider sharing this post with families and educators that are blessed to work with children with Autism. Thank you Sesame Street!

Videos: What a powerful way to send messages and learn! These videos are posted on their site, autism.sesamestreet.org and YouTube. They have a YouTube channel, “Sesame Street In Communities” that supports multiple student groups.

• Music video
• Stories of real families
• Stories to show students to learn about peers with Autism
• How to be  a supportive parent
• Being a sibling of a child with Autism

I especially thought it was great that they made a video showing the impact on siblings. This is something that my wife and I are really concerned about since one of our children has Autism and two do not. We have to be really careful with how much attention we give all of our kids to make sure they all feel loved and wanted.

Instructional Tip: Find out if your students have siblings with Autism. This may really affect their lives at home. They may need additional attention and support even though they don’t ‘appear’ different in school. 

Daily Routine Cards: We need to teach behaviors and routines, not just expect them. One way to do this is through flashcards and stories. Sesame Street has created video storybooks using their characters learning about experiences like going to the store and brushing your teeth. 

Instructional Tip: Students need to be taught routines and expectations. Don’t assume they should already know these. Don’t get frustrated, just retool and find more resources and strategies. 

Storybook: Sesame Street made a book “We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3!” that can be watched online to help others understand children with Autism. Great resource, especially since it also reads aloud the text.

Instructional Tip: Use stories, fiction and nonfiction, to help students understand situations and life around them. A great story told once can be worth 100 “lessons” about that subject. 

Each child is unique and must be appreciated for who they are, not who we wished they would be or who society thinks they should be!

Having a child with the superpower of Autism is a blessing.

If you need support with students or your own child(ren) with Autism, ask for and seek the help you need. Feel free to reach out to me directly.

There are many groups out there to support you. In our local area, The Autism Society of Northern Virginia, of which I’m now fortunate to be connected with, provides many programs for children, teenagers, adults, and families with Autism, focused on Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation.

Use #SeeAmazing on social media to share your stories, pictures, and videos with others!