Growing up, Sesame Street wasn’t just a television show for me; it was a universe. As an autistic child, I found in its vibrant characters and catchy tunes not only an invaluable educational resource but also a profound way to connect with the world around me. Working with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center this summer, designing a website for one of their new initiatives, has been an incredibly meaningful experience, bridging my childhood adoration for Sesame Street with my current technical skills. It’s a testament to the show’s lasting impact and the Cooney Center’s continued dedication to its vision.
For a young boy navigating the complexities of autism – with pronounced strengths in some areas and significant challenges in others – Sesame Street offered a vital lifeline. My early years were marked by an unusual ability to read and memorize, coupled with social anxiety, heightened sensitivities, and an intense focus on specific interests. By the age of two, I was already reading fluently, spelling complex words, and reciting advertising slogans from roadside billboards. I spent countless hours reading to my younger brother James, always ready to assist him with spelling tests as he progressed through elementary school. While James was naturally outgoing and filled our home with spontaneous songs and conversations, I often retreated to my room, immersed in playing guitar and piano (though too shy to sing aloud), exploring my computer, and diligently saving coins in my toy ATM. Expressing myself openly, outside of my passions, was a significant hurdle. When James would invite me to join him for computer games or role-playing, I often resisted. Yet, we found common ground and connection in educational television, especially in the world of Sesame Street.
Like countless children, I learned my ABCs and 123s through iconic segments like “C Is For Cookie” and the energetic “Count it Higher.” But Sesame Street‘s influence went far beyond basic academics. It created a shared language of characters, events, and emotions that my family and I used to understand and communicate with each other. When frustration mounted while practicing a musical piece, my mother would affectionately compare me to Don Music, the Muppet pianist famed for his perfectionism, Beethoven obsession, and dramatic outbursts of “I’ll never get it, never!” followed by head-banging on the piano keys. Don Music, in his comical despair, became an early lesson in recognizing and managing my own tendencies toward catastrophic thinking. My mother’s humorous comparison provided a valuable perspective on my rigidity and perfectionism.
It was through characters like Kermit the Frog that I began to grasp the concept of resilience and coping with life’s inevitable mishaps. In our family, Grover’s chaotic energy and Kermit’s perpetually flustered yet loyal demeanor held a special significance. Grover might burst onto the scene with his signature whirlwind entrances—”Ahhhhhhhhhhh!”—but the steadfastness of his friendship with Kermit always endured the ensuing chaos. In moments of difficulty, a simple “stop wreckin’ my place!” (a reference to “The Weather Machine Salesman” episode) became our family’s shorthand for acknowledging the disruption and committing to working through it together after the storm passed. Similarly, the comedic duo of Bert and Ernie, with their constant squabbles over pizza, games, and entertainment choices, brought uproarious laughter while subtly demonstrating the art of collaboration, cooperation, and building strong bonds with someone fundamentally different. My mother even penned a piece for HuffPost Parents titled “Ernie and Bert’s Mother” reflecting on her experiences raising James and me, drawing parallels to the iconic Muppet roommates!
My journey has taken me far beyond those early days of being captivated by Sesame Street, but the foundational lessons remain deeply ingrained. The show ignited my early fascination with music through its diverse songs, appearances by renowned musicians, and engaging segments on music creation. Fueled by this early spark, and with persistent effort and a conscious rejection of “I’ll never get it!” thinking, I developed into a dedicated singer and classical guitarist, studying with a Juilliard-trained instructor throughout high school. Now, as a rising junior at Vassar College, I actively participate in ensembles and sing in two auditioned choirs. As a math and computer science double major (with a music minor), a Count Von Count doll sits proudly on the bookshelf above my desk. My childhood obsession with numbers, nurtured by Sesame Street, has blossomed into a genuine passion for mathematics and a Count-like enthusiasm for “counting.”
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Benjamin Prud’homme with Count von Count doll, reflecting Sesame Street’s influence on his passion for mathematics.
Another pivotal force in my development has been Tech Kids Unlimited. Since joining their summer programs nearly a decade ago, I’ve been involved in various creative and client-based projects, including developing a prototype for an app designed to guide autistic students through the job search process. It’s through TKU that I’ve been presented with this remarkable opportunity to merge my lifelong affection for Sesame Street with my passion for technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped nearly every facet of our lives over the past six months. Forced to adapt to a world of social distancing, we’ve become increasingly reliant on digital devices for work, education, social interaction, and entertainment. Amidst growing concerns about the potential downsides of over-immersion in digital trends—smartphones, apps, social media, streaming platforms—I believe this moment calls for a serious re-evaluation of how technology can not only support but actively enhance our lives. From Zoom meetings and virtual classrooms to online playdates and digital connections with loved ones, technology has provided crucial pathways for maintaining connection and continuity. Digital apps and games possess the power to teach children vital life skills, such as teamwork, self-advocacy, and independence, in engaging and enjoyable formats.
Sesame Street emerged at a time when television was the primary digital media platform. Now, more than fifty years since its inception, it remains a powerful force, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving digital media landscape. It continues to effectively deliver on Cooney’s original vision to children and families worldwide. The Cooney Center’s ongoing work is crucial in exploring how technology can positively contribute to children’s learning and in addressing the pressing challenges faced by children and families today. Contributing to this mission has been a profound pleasure and one of the greatest honors of my life, allowing me to give back to an organization and a show that has taught me, and given me, so much joy.
Benjamin Prud’homme, originally from New Haven, CT, and raised in New York City, is a rising junior at Vassar College, pursuing a double major in Math and Computer Science with a minor in Music. He served as an intern at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center during the summer of 2020.
