AUSTIN, Texas — Four-year-olds Damien and Declan de Grasse are just 10 months apart, but they could not be any more different.

  • Julia made her debut on April 10 on various platforms including PBS Kids, HBO and YouTube. 

"Declan is so outgoing and social and Damien is much more introverted, just by nature, regardless of the autism," said their mother, Jamie de Grasse.

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Damien was diagnosed with autism a year ago. His parents believe "Sesame Street’s" newest puppet, Julia, can educate people of all ages about spectrum disorder. Unlike Julia, Damien is nonverbal.

"There’s no way that ‘Sesame Street’ will encapsulate all the traits that any autistic child does, but I think it’s a great start," de Grasse said. "Declan watched it and said, ‘Oh, she flaps her hands like Damien and jumps like Damien.’"

"They are able to see themselves, to see those interactions, and see some of the struggles that our families face that are played out in a neighborhood that is friendly and kind," said Suzanne Potts, the executive director of Autism Society of Texas.

The Autism Society of Texas has been around for more than 25 years, the Lone Star State's oldest grassroots organization dedicated to advocating and providing services for families impacted by autism.

In the "Sesame Street" episode, "Meet Julia," shows the character seemingly ignore Big Bird’s request for a high-five after he compliments her artwork. The scene is familiar to the de Grasse family.

"We have a lot of close family members that feel the same way about Damien that he might not like them," said Jamie de Grasse.

"It’s like Big Bird most of the time they feel a little put off, they’re confused and then they think, ‘Did I do something wrong?’" said Mark de Grasse.

"The fact of the matter is he does notice them and he does want to be around them he just doesn’t know how to show it appropriately," said Jamie de Grasse.

But the family is optimistic a national show like "Sesame Street" will teach others to embrace differences of all kinds.

"It’s so hard nowadays. We’re always judging each other," said Jamie de Grasse. "Just give moms some grace, you know. When Damien’s throwing a fit in the supermarket, it’s nice if someone helps, instead of judging."