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This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

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If you recall your first day at school, you probably remember how stressful it was. Suddenly you’re in a new place, surrounded by all these new faces – it can get quite overwhelming, especially when you’re a kid. However, having someone you can trust by your side can quickly make all of your fears go away.

Courtney Moore recently shared a photo of her son, Christian, holding his classmate Connor’s hand and the photo quickly went viral for all the good reasons. On their first day at school, Christian noticed Connor crying in a corner and decided to console him. At the time, Christian didn’t know that Connor had autism and that one of the reasons he was crying was because he felt overwhelmed by the new environment.

“Before school, he was super excited to start the day. I wasn’t there so I can only guess what caused him to cry but he does get overwhelmed with too much going on around him or if it’s too noisy and he also has very strong emotions so when he is either upset or super happy it is usually expressed in tears,” Connor’s mom April told Bored Panda.

More info: Facebook

A photo of two elementary school boys recently went viral for all the right reasons

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

“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,” said Courtney in an interview with KAKE. “We waited until the bell rang and he walked him inside of the school. The rest is history. They have an inseparable bond.” April have told us, that the boys became good friends. “From what they have told us they find each other at recess, we have had 2 playdates since the picture was taken and once things calm down after we move hopefully there will be some sleepovers,” she said.

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This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

While Connor’s parents weren’t present during his first day of school, they were happy to know that someone took care of him. “Well Conner had chosen to ride the bus so his father and I were not present during this which is why reading Courtney’s post made me cry, school is one of the few times he is not with us personally and knowing that he got so overwhelmed without us around to comfort him hurt but also seeing that simple kind gesture from Christian was absolutely heartwarming.” April said that her son was diagnosed with autism when he was around 6 years old. “We realized that he was not progressing and actually regressed in some things at around 18 months but his doctors kept telling us that he was just a boy and it would just take time,” she explained. When asked what challenges Connor faces due to being neuroatypical, she said: “The challenges for him I would say is communication, he gets really frustrated when we don’t understand what he has said or when you try to talk to him about something other than what he wants to discuss. And I would say connecting with other kids is another, just recently Conner was asking his father and I to make friends for him.”

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This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

“He doesn’t have any siblings so raising him is all we know, I can only imagine it’s like raising a neurotypical child. There may be a few differences like more appointments such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, or like he took longer to potty train and has very specific foods he’s willing to eat but I’m sure it’s a huge rollercoaster of emotions for every parent out there., ” she added.
This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

“He was kind to me. I was in the 1st day of school and I started crying then he helped me and I was happy,” said Connor Crites. The boys went on to be good friends, playing together and enjoying superhero movies. We guess it’s true what they say – true friendship knows no bounds!

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

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Here’s how people reacted

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

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This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

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This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

This 8 Y.O. Boy Saw An Autistic Boy Crying On The First Day Of School, Grabbed His Hand And Walked Him To Class

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What do you think ?

Molly Universe 5 years ago

As a person with Autism, this is lovely to see.On my first day of school, I struggled with finding my way around and the loud noise physically hurt. Someone to help me at that time would've been a life saver.

51points

Suzi Gauthier 5 years ago

I like at my grandson's middle & high school, they have student mentors who volunteer to help out new students of any age or ability - help finding classes, navigating all the paperwork, etc. I think it's good for both the volunteers & the new kids.

16points

Load More Replies...

glowworm2 5 years ago

My favorite part about this story is that Christian clearly didn't see Connor as someone with Autism. He just saw someone having a tough first day of school and wanted to help him out. I think Connor just got himself a new friend for life!

43points

ADDYSON DAVIES 5 years ago

god woman you raised a freaking lil saint

40points

Selty 5 years ago

Oh yeah I'll tell you something, I think you'll understand. When I say that something.......I want to hold your hand!!!!

15points

Lena Hudson 5 years ago

Oh man it's been too long since I listened to that song, Spotify here I come, thanks for the earworm haha

2points

Load More Replies...

TheReader19 5 years ago

Who else cried?

14points

Alex Bailey 5 years ago

I teared up, it's true. So heart warming.

6points

Load More Replies...

Natasha Forchione 5 years ago

This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time!

13points

Viviane Katz 5 years ago

What a perceptive, open-heated boy!

12points

Doober 5 years ago

What a kind soul Christian has to help someone in need the way he did. Such an awesome kid!

10points

Eddie Maurer 5 years ago

This gave me chills how sweet that is!

10points

Brandi Gates 5 years ago

Thanks for sharing this :)

9points

Melanin Mo 5 years ago

awww something Conner will never forget

9points

MsLou 5 years ago

Can we see more happy stories like this? This warms my heart

8points

Aria Whitaker 5 years ago

Two beautiful boys!! Bless them both!

7points

Mia Cardenas 5 years ago

We should all learn a thing or two. Children are born with compassion, not hate. Along the way some parents (not all) destroy that innocence. This story gives me a little much needed hope for humanity

7points

We'llSee 5 years ago

sometimes a small little hand saves the day , this little boy is an angel

7points

Janine B. 5 years ago

Aw, I wanna cuddle them both. :)))

7points

AzKhaleesi 5 years ago

That is some amazing parenting. Warms my heart. My kids did the same thing once and not because i was there either, it was super sweet. It was THEIR first day at a new school and there was a boy there that was special needs and he looked scared to death. Both my kids noticed at the same time convened and went and spoke to him and turned out they would be in the same class so they took him and hung out with him all year and made friends with him.

6points

Daria B 5 years ago

I'm melting. This is adorable on so many levels. Bless both boys. We need to learn from them.

4points

giovanna 5 years ago (edited)

Damn onion cutting ninjas!

4points

debrina blackmoon 5 years ago

i was actually looking for someone to say that

0points

Load More Replies...

Christina Sersif 5 years ago

There’s something in my eye

4points

pusheen buttercup 5 years ago

Just a small note: though it was very kind of that child, and not "everyone" with autism would mind- some people with autism can be sensitive to touch or unannounced physical gestures. :) Again, not that it wasn't still kind. Physical touch is still an occasional struggle for me sometimes.

2points

Dany Pierce-Knies 5 years ago

This wholesome story restores my faith in humanity!

2points

Phantom Captain 5 years ago

This makes me so happy. Thank you Mom for raising such a caring son.

2points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

"One helping hand is worth 10,000 prayers." --Spanish proverb I often read about bullying and kids being cruel. So glad to read about one who doesn't hesitate to follow his heart and help.

1point

Katie Hayes 5 years ago

As a mom of two special needs kids.... I am crying for so many reasons. This little boy is what mom's like me hope ... ,Pray over, is that when our children are not close to us that someone can help them through the hard times.. truly made my day .thank you

1point

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

This makes my heart so full, it's spilling out of my eyes.

1point

Tara 5 years ago

I’m going to steal that phrase.

0points

Load More Replies...

𝓴𝓪𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓲_𝓐𝓾𝓭𝓻𝓮𝔂 💖 4 years ago

This is so sweet! Bless this little boy. Unrelated, autism is NOT caused by vaccinations, you are just born that way or not.

0points

Roman DeJesus 4 years ago

Special place for him in heaven when God decides it is time to call him home

0points

Zaerhin Sk 5 years ago

i'm sorry but the first pic makes him look like he is telling him man up bish we about to rule dis school

0points

Tara 5 years ago

I hope they remain friends for life. I’m lucky to have met my best friend in junior high. She’s more of a sister than a friend. Nothing beats someone that knows you and loves you no matter what.

0points

sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago

With so much violence in kids today, this story gives hope for our future , it takes good, loving parents to make the difference, children learn mostly by example, if parents are not kind and loving to each other, that's how children learn about relationships !!!

0points

Zooa 5 years ago

So sweet

0points

Caroline Driver 5 years ago

Such sweet instinctive kindness. Heart lifting

0points

Chris Sprucefield 5 years ago

Dear parent, you have raised a great child, who was showing compassion to a at the moment complete stranger, but a possible future friend. Be proud of having done the right thing, raising your child right. Keep showing your child the right way, and next time he "screws up", don't curse him, but ask - if you could have done different, what would you have done, and why? Make him think, and praise the outcome, and be the good guide your provenly already are, yet again. Forgive, let go, let learn the lesson not to do again, is a far wiser and stronger message than anything. As a parent, you must allow for the small mistakes to learn from, just not the big ones that really breaks you, and you seem to be doing very well.

0points

Patrick Jones 5 years ago

You have an awesome son – I hope these two kids become good friends!

0points

William Rogers 5 years ago (edited)

Christian Moore, you are probably the youngest to ever make my "everyday, ordinary heroes' list. Thank You and Thank Your Mom for raising a 'hero'.

0points

William Rogers 5 years ago

Christian Moore, little guy, you just made my "everday ordinary heroes list", probably the youngest to ever make it. God Bless You AND your mom.

0points

Ana M 5 years ago

Sorry, I'm in tears....

0points

Oscar Guerrero 5 years ago

Now that's somoone I strive to be like.

0points

Kevin Mullane 5 years ago

He sees someone that needs help, that his natural type to help others out.

0points

PjandBolt 5 years ago

Actions speak louder than words

0points

SirWriteALot 5 years ago

How can the parents of autistic kid NOT be there on their son's first day of school? Autism aside ... you just need to be there!

0points

Kathi Keegan Chang 5 years ago

I was soooo excited to start first grade-- so much, that I ran to the school in less than 30 seconds, only to find I was the ONLY child there. I was so humiliated and embarrassed, I ran home. By then, another 30 seconds passed, and I went back into line with the others. But I was SO excited and SO happy AND SO embarrassed about it. I even hid my rain boots in the bushes down the small street, because they were rubber boots.. we're talking1957!!!!!

0points

Janelle Collard Premium 5 years ago

That little boy has the kindest heart! Good for you, Christian! :)

0points

Maya Baggins 5 years ago

I'm not crying, there were cutting onion ninjas!!!

0points

Slune 5 years ago

This cool boy with a warm heart is the mirror of his parents! Great value teaching showed off.

0points

JenB 5 years ago

Good job, Mom!

0points

Sansa Blacktyde 5 years ago

What precious boys :) I have autism and sometimes I cry when I feel overwhelmed. I wish I'd had a friend like Christian when I was at school!

0points

‘Drea 5 years ago

Love my city and all the great kids we have!!

0points

Chris Bebout 5 years ago

Seems like they have to wear a uniform/same clothing. I really do think this is productive for schools. Builds in a way a structure for learning and helps young children see each other differently. They can see each other as equals. Sympathetic for others when someone is not doing well.

0points

Dorothy Parker 5 years ago

What a dear little boy Christian is. His family has shown him kindness and love, and so he can give that to others. And Connor's family has given him wings and the ability to take a hand offered to him. That's huge too. I hope they have a wonderful year.

0points

Lauren Baker 5 years ago

Heartwarming <3 Thank you for restoring my confidence in the future of humanity. :)

0points

Jay Weigel 5 years ago

Several of my grandkids were raised from birth around an uncle who is autistic, and it's made them very aware of people who are different from others and willing to stand up for those who are, also unwilling to put up with bullies. They all do it in different ways because of their different personalities, but I love that they do it.

0points

Laura Smith 5 years ago

Okay - I can get up tomorrow and face anything life throws at me knowing there are people like this little guy out there. Faith in humanity - restored!

0points

Szavics Daniel 5 years ago

can we just please look out more for people in need instead of deifying ppl who helped them? it should be reward by itself to help and give..

0points

Display Name 5 years ago

This is a great story but honestly, this is just human nature. I think we are all born like this, then we learn the bad behavior. It's a shame the world's population isn't like him.

-1point

ERIN W. 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Demi Zwaan 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Molly Universe 5 years ago

As a person with Autism, this is lovely to see.On my first day of school, I struggled with finding my way around and the loud noise physically hurt. Someone to help me at that time would've been a life saver.

51points

Suzi Gauthier 5 years ago

I like at my grandson's middle & high school, they have student mentors who volunteer to help out new students of any age or ability - help finding classes, navigating all the paperwork, etc. I think it's good for both the volunteers & the new kids.

16points

Load More Replies...

glowworm2 5 years ago

My favorite part about this story is that Christian clearly didn't see Connor as someone with Autism. He just saw someone having a tough first day of school and wanted to help him out. I think Connor just got himself a new friend for life!

43points

ADDYSON DAVIES 5 years ago

god woman you raised a freaking lil saint

40points

Selty 5 years ago

Oh yeah I'll tell you something, I think you'll understand. When I say that something.......I want to hold your hand!!!!

15points

Lena Hudson 5 years ago

Oh man it's been too long since I listened to that song, Spotify here I come, thanks for the earworm haha

2points

Load More Replies...

TheReader19 5 years ago

Who else cried?

14points

Alex Bailey 5 years ago

I teared up, it's true. So heart warming.

6points

Load More Replies...

Natasha Forchione 5 years ago

This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time!

13points

Viviane Katz 5 years ago

What a perceptive, open-heated boy!

12points

Doober 5 years ago

What a kind soul Christian has to help someone in need the way he did. Such an awesome kid!

10points

Eddie Maurer 5 years ago

This gave me chills how sweet that is!

10points

Brandi Gates 5 years ago

Thanks for sharing this :)

9points

Melanin Mo 5 years ago

awww something Conner will never forget

9points

MsLou 5 years ago

Can we see more happy stories like this? This warms my heart

8points

Aria Whitaker 5 years ago

Two beautiful boys!! Bless them both!

7points

Mia Cardenas 5 years ago

We should all learn a thing or two. Children are born with compassion, not hate. Along the way some parents (not all) destroy that innocence. This story gives me a little much needed hope for humanity

7points

We'llSee 5 years ago

sometimes a small little hand saves the day , this little boy is an angel

7points

Janine B. 5 years ago

Aw, I wanna cuddle them both. :)))

7points

AzKhaleesi 5 years ago

That is some amazing parenting. Warms my heart. My kids did the same thing once and not because i was there either, it was super sweet. It was THEIR first day at a new school and there was a boy there that was special needs and he looked scared to death. Both my kids noticed at the same time convened and went and spoke to him and turned out they would be in the same class so they took him and hung out with him all year and made friends with him.

6points

Daria B 5 years ago

I'm melting. This is adorable on so many levels. Bless both boys. We need to learn from them.

4points

giovanna 5 years ago (edited)

Damn onion cutting ninjas!

4points

debrina blackmoon 5 years ago

i was actually looking for someone to say that

0points

Load More Replies...

Christina Sersif 5 years ago

There’s something in my eye

4points

pusheen buttercup 5 years ago

Just a small note: though it was very kind of that child, and not "everyone" with autism would mind- some people with autism can be sensitive to touch or unannounced physical gestures. :) Again, not that it wasn't still kind. Physical touch is still an occasional struggle for me sometimes.

2points

Dany Pierce-Knies 5 years ago

This wholesome story restores my faith in humanity!

2points

Phantom Captain 5 years ago

This makes me so happy. Thank you Mom for raising such a caring son.

2points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

"One helping hand is worth 10,000 prayers." --Spanish proverb I often read about bullying and kids being cruel. So glad to read about one who doesn't hesitate to follow his heart and help.

1point

Katie Hayes 5 years ago

As a mom of two special needs kids.... I am crying for so many reasons. This little boy is what mom's like me hope ... ,Pray over, is that when our children are not close to us that someone can help them through the hard times.. truly made my day .thank you

1point

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

This makes my heart so full, it's spilling out of my eyes.

1point

Tara 5 years ago

I’m going to steal that phrase.

0points

Load More Replies...

𝓴𝓪𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓲_𝓐𝓾𝓭𝓻𝓮𝔂 💖 4 years ago

This is so sweet! Bless this little boy. Unrelated, autism is NOT caused by vaccinations, you are just born that way or not.

0points

Roman DeJesus 4 years ago

Special place for him in heaven when God decides it is time to call him home

0points

Zaerhin Sk 5 years ago

i'm sorry but the first pic makes him look like he is telling him man up bish we about to rule dis school

0points

Tara 5 years ago

I hope they remain friends for life. I’m lucky to have met my best friend in junior high. She’s more of a sister than a friend. Nothing beats someone that knows you and loves you no matter what.

0points

sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago

With so much violence in kids today, this story gives hope for our future , it takes good, loving parents to make the difference, children learn mostly by example, if parents are not kind and loving to each other, that's how children learn about relationships !!!

0points

Zooa 5 years ago

So sweet

0points

Caroline Driver 5 years ago

Such sweet instinctive kindness. Heart lifting

0points

Chris Sprucefield 5 years ago

Dear parent, you have raised a great child, who was showing compassion to a at the moment complete stranger, but a possible future friend. Be proud of having done the right thing, raising your child right. Keep showing your child the right way, and next time he "screws up", don't curse him, but ask - if you could have done different, what would you have done, and why? Make him think, and praise the outcome, and be the good guide your provenly already are, yet again. Forgive, let go, let learn the lesson not to do again, is a far wiser and stronger message than anything. As a parent, you must allow for the small mistakes to learn from, just not the big ones that really breaks you, and you seem to be doing very well.

0points

Patrick Jones 5 years ago

You have an awesome son – I hope these two kids become good friends!

0points

William Rogers 5 years ago (edited)

Christian Moore, you are probably the youngest to ever make my "everyday, ordinary heroes' list. Thank You and Thank Your Mom for raising a 'hero'.

0points

William Rogers 5 years ago

Christian Moore, little guy, you just made my "everday ordinary heroes list", probably the youngest to ever make it. God Bless You AND your mom.

0points

Ana M 5 years ago

Sorry, I'm in tears....

0points

Oscar Guerrero 5 years ago

Now that's somoone I strive to be like.

0points

Kevin Mullane 5 years ago

He sees someone that needs help, that his natural type to help others out.

0points

PjandBolt 5 years ago

Actions speak louder than words

0points

SirWriteALot 5 years ago

How can the parents of autistic kid NOT be there on their son's first day of school? Autism aside ... you just need to be there!

0points

Kathi Keegan Chang 5 years ago

I was soooo excited to start first grade-- so much, that I ran to the school in less than 30 seconds, only to find I was the ONLY child there. I was so humiliated and embarrassed, I ran home. By then, another 30 seconds passed, and I went back into line with the others. But I was SO excited and SO happy AND SO embarrassed about it. I even hid my rain boots in the bushes down the small street, because they were rubber boots.. we're talking1957!!!!!

0points

Janelle Collard Premium 5 years ago

That little boy has the kindest heart! Good for you, Christian! :)

0points

Maya Baggins 5 years ago

I'm not crying, there were cutting onion ninjas!!!

0points

Slune 5 years ago

This cool boy with a warm heart is the mirror of his parents! Great value teaching showed off.

0points

JenB 5 years ago

Good job, Mom!

0points

Sansa Blacktyde 5 years ago

What precious boys :) I have autism and sometimes I cry when I feel overwhelmed. I wish I'd had a friend like Christian when I was at school!

0points

‘Drea 5 years ago

Love my city and all the great kids we have!!

0points

Chris Bebout 5 years ago

Seems like they have to wear a uniform/same clothing. I really do think this is productive for schools. Builds in a way a structure for learning and helps young children see each other differently. They can see each other as equals. Sympathetic for others when someone is not doing well.

0points

Dorothy Parker 5 years ago

What a dear little boy Christian is. His family has shown him kindness and love, and so he can give that to others. And Connor's family has given him wings and the ability to take a hand offered to him. That's huge too. I hope they have a wonderful year.

0points

Lauren Baker 5 years ago

Heartwarming <3 Thank you for restoring my confidence in the future of humanity. :)

0points

Jay Weigel 5 years ago

Several of my grandkids were raised from birth around an uncle who is autistic, and it's made them very aware of people who are different from others and willing to stand up for those who are, also unwilling to put up with bullies. They all do it in different ways because of their different personalities, but I love that they do it.

0points

Laura Smith 5 years ago

Okay - I can get up tomorrow and face anything life throws at me knowing there are people like this little guy out there. Faith in humanity - restored!

0points

Szavics Daniel 5 years ago

can we just please look out more for people in need instead of deifying ppl who helped them? it should be reward by itself to help and give..

0points

Display Name 5 years ago

This is a great story but honestly, this is just human nature. I think we are all born like this, then we learn the bad behavior. It's a shame the world's population isn't like him.

-1point

ERIN W. 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Demi Zwaan 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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