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'Sesame Street' Sent This Girl With Autism a Surprise for Her Sweet 16

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Tori Medlyn had a surprise guest at her sweet 16 birthday party — Elmo!

The beloved puppet made a special video appearance for Tori, who has autism and is considered nonverbal although she can say a few words, according to Little Things. Her mother, Lisa Medlyn says Tori loves to watch “Sesame Street” videos online.

Medlyn reached out to the PBS show in hopes that the company would send her daughter a birthday card, but what she got was much better.

For Tori’s birthday on November 28, “Sesame Street” sent her a personalized birthday video featuring none other than Elmo himself. Elmo spoke about some of Tori’s favorite things, like pizza, held up a photo of her and sang a song.

See Tori’s special birthday video below:

The birthday girl got to watch the video with her friends and family.

See Tori’s reaction to the special surprise in the video below: 

The company also sent Tori a bag with “Sesame Street” paraphernalia including books, cups and other toys.

“The reason I emailed them is there are so many missed opportunities when you have a kid with special needs,” Medlyn told LittleThings.com, a lifestyle and parenting site. “So it was really awesome because it was one of those times in our life that we all had something to look forward to… This is one thing that got to be just for her.”

Tori’s birthday present came just after “Sesame Street” launched its autism initiative “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children,” which introduced a character with autism named Julia.

Originally published: December 8, 2015
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