'Sesame Street' news: Muppet with autism to be introduced

"Sesame Street" has taken another step in promoting inclusion. This time, the children's show will be including Julia, a Muppet with autism, in its cast starting April.

Julia's inclusion is part of "Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children," a new campaign that aims to reduce "the stigma of autism." Aside from her introduction, a dedicated website also provides materials on how people can better deal with those who have autism.

Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, the senior vice president of US social impact, said in an interview with PEOPLE that "Children with autism are five times more likely to get bullied, and with one in 68 children having autism, that's a lot of bullying."

"Our goal is to bring forth what all children share in common, not their differences. Children with autism share in the joy of playing and loving and being friends and being part of a group," she went on to say.

On the creation of Julia, Sherrie Westin, the executive vice president of global impacts and philanthropy, said that they wanted to help make children deal better with those who have autism by teaching them to become more aware of and sensitive to them.

Julia debut episode will delve into what it feels like to have autism. In the episode, Big Bird will wonder if she does not like him. The other characters will then explain the situation to him, telling him that "She does things just a little differently."

One of the effects of autism is that it makes social interaction difficult for those who have this condition.

"Sesame Street" describes her as a "really good singer" who can remember the lyrics of many songs. Aside from the TV show, she will also be appearing in the digital and printed storybooks along with the other characters.

While the first episode where she will appear will focus on Julia and her condition, "Sesame Street" writer Christine Ferraro said on "60 Minutes" that she hopes the muppet will be accepted as part of the show's community. "I would lover her to be not Julia, the kid on Sesame Street who has autism. I would like her to be just Julia," the writer said.