New Faces of Autism in ‘Sesame Street,’ ‘Power Rangers’ Movie Could Help Dispel Stereotypes

Children’s programs have introduced characters who are on the autism spectrum in order to help educate the current and future generations of children about autism and change the way autism is viewed in society.

Showing an autistic child involved in positive group activities can help encourage children on the spectrum to engage with their peers while also teaching non-autistic children what to expect from friends and relatives, said Leonard Abbeduto, Autism, Community and Technology Big Idea champion and director of the UC Davis MIND Institute, which studies neurodevelopmental conditions including autism.

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