When you are little, often times, being different is perceived as a bad thing. Sesame Street, known for teaching important lessons to children through their stories, is here to show that everyone deserves to be respected and not bullied because of their differences.

Last week, Sesame Street welcomed Julia, their first Muppet with autism. With staggering statistics stating one in every 68 children has autism, it is important for children to learn at an early age that you can’t label someone by their differences or disability. Although children with autism or in this case, Julia may take a little longer to respond or may not make eye contact, it doesn’t mean that they don’t enjoy the same activities or deserve the same respect.

Julia is a part of Sesame Street’s campaign called Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children. This campaign is an initiative to combat the stigma revolving autism. The campaign is comprised of a series of online storybooks, videos and interactive games. The goal of Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children is to reduce bullying and to bring forth the similarities of all children.

Kudos to the writers of Sesame Street. Hopefully Julia and the cast of the show can spread the message of love and acceptance to children, their parents and beyond.