Julia is a fictional character on the PBS/HBO children's educational television series Sesame Street. She is an Anything Muppet, known for being the first Sesame Street character diagnosed with autism. Julia is a friendly four-year-old girl who enjoys bonding with her supportive family and her friends on Sesame Street.

Autists have protested Autism Speaks since its inception. Their protests were even more validated in 2009 after the organization released a horribly offensive commercial, titled “I am Autism,” that portrayed autism as a monster or demon that children unfortunately deal with every day of their lives.

“Actually blue is a color that was originally chosen by non-autistic people to represent autism. Many people from the Autistic community actually prefer to wear red today, in an effort to support autism Acceptance, rather than mere awareness.”

Why Red? Red is a contrasting color to the Light It Up Blue campaign. Many autistics dislike using the color blue to represent autism because of what it traditionally symbolizes. The color blue is sometimes used to represent males and emphasizes the gender stereotypes associated with autism.

Explain the Basics You can explain that autism is usually associated with difficulty in social and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and adherence to routine. It also can be accompanied by sensory sensitivities and challenges with paying attention.

Critics argue that the Neurodiversity Movement - with its emphasis on empowerment, social models of disability, and changing pathologizing views of neurodivergent identities - minimizes or erases the challenges faced by people with significant support needs.

In 2005, Suzanne and Bob Wright co-founded Autism Speaks, inspired by their grandson who was diagnosed with autism. Guided by the Wrights' leadership and vision, Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Full intensity colors should be avoided. Red should never be used in the home as children with ASD perceive the color as florescent. Yellows likewise are very stimulating and are best to avoid.

Gold as a color for today is preferred as it is based on the chemical symbol for gold being 'Au', the first two letters of autism, but also because, throughout history, gold has been something that is strived for and of immense value – often missing from the lives of autistic people.

While many hear the message by Autism Speaks to "light it up blue" and to wear a puzzle piece to raise awareness, the vast majority of the autism community considers this offensive. Blue was originally chosen because autism was previously seen as something that affected primarily boys.

Famous Celebrities With Autism

• Woody Allen.
• Dan Aykroyd.
• Marty Balin.
• Susan Boyle.
• Tim Burton.
• Tony DeBlois.
• Jerry Seinfeld.
• Bill Gates.