Sesame Street’s newest character is the first muppet with autism

She's the latest (and possibly the most adorable) addition to the world's most famous street, and though she may be little, she has a lot to teach us.

Sesame Street's newest resident Maria has autism. First created in 2015, Julia appeared in a digital storybook in the story 'Sesame Street and Autism'. Created by author Leslie Kimmelman and voiced by puppeteer Stacey Gordon, both of whom have sons with autism, Julia will help children to understand that some people do things their own way... and that's okay. Now she'll be joining the Sesame Street cast full time and will be introduced to the show in a scene with Big Bird. Sources say the scene begins with Big Bird attempting to shake Julia's hand to say hello. When she declines, Big Bird fears Julia may not want to be his friend. Later Elmo explains to Big Bird that Julia has autism, and "sometimes it takes her a little longer to do things". Safe in the knowledge that the group can play together, the friends end up having fun. Speaking about the new character, Sesame Street writer Christine Ferraro told 60 Minutes: "I would love her to be not Julia, the kid on “Sesame Street” who has autism. I would like her to be just Julia." Julia joins the show in April.