Lex Camilleri, a 6-year-old, wrote an open letter after a classmate called her 9-year-old brother “weird,” because he has autism. Lex’s parents posted the letter, not realizing their daughter’s words would become viral.
Lex submitted the letter to her student council in southern England, and suggested that teachers should teach about disabilities in school. She wrote:
“I would like it if we could learn about all disabilities in schools. So that everybody understands that some people are different, but we should all be treated the same.”
Sophie Camilleri, Lex’s mom, posted her letter on Facebook, writing how proud she is of her daughter standing up for a cause:
“I’m so very proud that Lex has this view and wants to change the way other children view others with disabilities….Can I ask a favour of my Facebook friends to share this post to help Lex raise Disability Awareness in schools?”
In only a few days the post was shared more than 30,000 times–which is incredible–and illustrates how families from all over the world are dealing with disability discrimination and bullying. Her parents noted how the siblings are very close–and despite her being younger, she is fiercely protective:
“Lex absolutely loves Frank. She’s always by his side; she may be his younger sister but she always looks out for him.”
Her letter even reached several organizations dedicated to autism and other disabilities jumped on board–her letter was posted on their page, and one user wrote how her letter comforted them:
“Your letter has made me hopeful that the awareness and understanding of all disabilities can be understood and accepted. Thank you.”
Lex’s letter isn’t where it stops either. The Camilleri family will be meeting with their member of Parliament to discuss legislation to require better education in schools. I hope it goes well–because it’s about time disability education became a priority.
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