Sesame Workshop

Sesame Street and Autism: Online Course

Model and Strategy

1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The lack of understanding of ASD contributes to discrimination, verbal abuse, even physical violence. While the differences between people with autism and their peers may seem significant, children share something far more important: unique qualities that make the world an interesting place. Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children is aimed at families with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, autism service providers, and people with autism, Sesame Street and Autism promotes inclusion by demonstrating commonalities children with ASD share with all children, helps reduce stigma around ASD and supports families with everyday routines. The initiative’s tools bring together many voices: individuals with autism, siblings, parents, health providers and those learning about autism for the first time, and Sesame Street’s Muppets to celebrate all children, with or without autism.

Impact

However, Sesame plans to re-­open the course several times after the grant term, and hosting the course in a new professional development hub currently being developed by Sesame Workshop’s US Social Impact team.
Sesame’s goal for the first course offering within the grant term is to have 2,000 users register for the course.
In total, over the lifespan of the course offering (which includes both grant year and non­-grant-year activities), Sesame is hoping to register 8,000 users. Assuming each user might serve 20­25 kids and families, the course messaging and approach has the capacity to reach upwards of 160,000 kids and families.
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Leadership

  • Jeffrey

    Jeffrey Dunn

    CEO