People with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) perceive the environment differently from the rest of us. Their respond to stimuli is also different – what might seem like a normal situation for most could seem overwhelming to them.
This is what happened to Connor Crites on his first day at Minneha Elementary School. Due to the chaos that comes with every school’s first day of classes, the 8-year-old boy with autism didn’t cope well. Instead of mingling with his classmates, Connor balled up in a corner and began to cry.
But with the help of a newfound friend, Connor was able to go through the school doors with his head held high. That’s because a fellow second-grader named Christian Moore came to his rescue. He approached the crying boy, consoled him, and then grabbed his hand so that they could go in together.
“I saw him on the ground with Connor as Connor was crying in the corner and he was consoling him. He grabs his hand and walks him to the front door. We waited until the bell rang and he walked him inside of the school. The rest is history. They have an inseparable bond,” says Courtney.
People with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) often feel stressed whenever they are in a place with many people. It was probably the reason why Connor began crying in the corner – he felt overwhelmed by all the people and the noise.
“I fear everyday that someone is going to laugh at him because he doesn’t speak correctly, or laugh at him because he doesn’t sit still or because he jumps up and down and flaps his hands,” April Crites, Connor’s mom, said.
Courtney was able to capture the beautiful moment through a photograph. She was extremely touched by her son’s gesture and decided to share the photo on her Facebook to inspire others.
She wrote:
“I’m so proud of my son, he seen a kid balled up into a corner crying, so he went to console him, grabbed his hand and walked him inside of the school! It is an honor to raise such a loving, compassionate child! He’s a kid with a Big heart, the first day of school started off right.”
And Connor agrees.
“He was kind to me. It was in the 1st day of school and I started crying then he helped me and I was happy,” said the boy.
Christian didn’t see Connor as different – which is the message that both their moms and many others are taking from this story.
“It doesn’t matter color, it doesn’t matter gender, it doesn’t matter disability, and it doesn’t matter anything, just be kind, open your heart… it’s what we need in this world,” April said.
As of writing, Courtney’s post has garnered 30,000 likes and 20,000 shares. Many were touched by Christian’s act of kindness, and almost everyone seemed to agree that Courtney did a great job at raising him.
Share this heartwarming story with your friends and family. The world needs to see more of this kindness!