A: The month of April is extra special as it’s recognized as Autism Awareness Month. WKAR and PBS KIDS programming feature several characters who have autism.
Julia is a puppet character from Sesame Street who does things in her own special way. Sesame Street producers have developed an autism initiative called, “See Amazing in All Children” as a positive reflection of children with autism spectrum disorder.
This month, viewers will be introduced to AJ Gadgets in Hero Elementary. Eight-year-old AJ is a superhero who is imaginative and caring. While he also happens to have autism, the show does not focus on that aspect -- which is the best way to represent anyone’s uniqueness. His friends are just that: friends. They are supportive, and don't separate him from being a hero because of his autism.
As a teacher, I taught many ethnically diverse urban children reflecting the full rainbow of experiences, cultures, backgrounds and abilities. Our children’s programming represents this same rainbow of uniqueness and identity.
PBS Kids whole child educational ecosystem addresses core needs in areas such as social-emotional learning, math, engineering, literacy and science. Our content portrays this ecosystem with diverse and inclusive characters with careful research, test groups, observations, and consulting with parents and children.
I’m thrilled to meet AJ Gadgets this month and I hope you are too.
Happy Learning,
Mrs. Pizzo
