'Sesame Street' Adds Character With Autism

The Sesame Workshop said Wednesday that it is adding a new character with autism.

The preschooler, named Julia, is being introduced as part of an initiative to take the stigma out of autism. The initiative also is aimed at helping those who deal with the developmental disorder.

Julia is debuting in the new digital book "We're Amazing, 1, 2, 3." Her best friend is Elmo and in the book Elmo helps his friend Abby Cadabby understand that Julia likes to play and interact a little differently.

In the story, Abby initially thinks that Julia doesn't like her after Julia covers her ears. But Elmo explains the preschooler just has "really good ears" and that Julia was just covering her ears to lessen the sound of a blender.

Sesame Street has also launched the hashtag #SeeAmazing online to promote awareness.