Sesame Street is providing a different kind of lesson with the introduction of its newest Muppet, Julia, who has autism. As was revealed in the lead-up to tonight’s 60 Minutes, which has a segment discussing the addition, the character will arrive in the neighborhood come April. Julia was first introduced in 2015 as part of an online-only Digital Storybook story called “Sesame Street and Autism: See the amazing in all children,” in which she has a playdate with Elmo and Abby. Now the fully realized Muppet version of Julia will feature on the long-running children’s show. Julia’s gender is thought to be particularly significant, since some autism researchers believe the condition is underdiagnosed in girls.

Read more at www.vulture.com