Autism advocacy group ends partnership with ‘Sesame Street’ 

The nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network announced yesterday that it was ending a partnership with “Sesame Street” over its use of material ASAN argued further stigmatized autistic children and adults. “Sesame Street” consulted with ASAN to develop the autistic character Julia and the See Amazing project for autism awareness. Despite ASAN’s protests, “Sesame Street” continued airing PSAs with controversial material from Autism Speaks, including material that ASAN claimed treated autistic people as “burdens” on their families. ASAN called on “Sesame Street” to sever its ties with Autism Speaks and to promote inclusive programs. In response, “Sesame Street” told me in a statement that it “continue[s] to work with a wide range of advisors and organizations to ensure that [the See Amazing campaign’s] resources meet the needs of families and promote acceptance and inclusion.”