Sesame Street has introduced a new character with autism.

Julia is to join Big Bird and Elmo on The Street in April and it's hoped she will help reduce stigma associated with autistic children.

The puppeteer who plays Julia has a son with autism and the team also consulted with autism organisations, teachers and families.

Susan Keogh has been speaking to Siobhain Murphy whose 14 year old son, Luke has autism.

Julia will have characteristics common with autism - she'll have short hair which doesn't get in her eyes - and there won't be any distracting bows or buttons on her clothes.

Here's a taster of what we can look forward to.