Ben Bass

In their efforts to promote early detection of autism, Autism Speaks was running up against a daunting emotional barrier. With so much hope and love bound up in their children’s future, many parents — particularly in low-income and minority communities — simply cannot confront screening and diagnosis head on.

We had to remind parents that loving a child means truly understanding them – no matter what. But if our parents were reluctant to acknowledge autism, would they be open to hearing that message from a group called Autism Speaks?

So we partnered with one place where all children are loved and understood: Sesame Street. Through the voice of the ground-breaking Muppet Julia and her newly-introduced family, we crafted PSAs, a targeted online campaign, and a finely emotionally-tuned digital journey that gently drove parents towards autism screening resources, while helping families feel comfortable, accepted, and positive at every step.

2020 Silver Effie Winner