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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
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
“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.
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.”
“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.
“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!
Here’s how people reacted
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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.
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.
Load More Replies...
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!!!!
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
Load More Replies...
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
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.
debrina blackmoon 5 years ago
i was actually looking for someone to say that
Load More Replies...
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.
Phantom Captain 5 years ago
This makes me so happy. Thank you Mom for raising such a caring son.
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.
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
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.
Roman DeJesus 4 years ago
Special place for him in heaven when God decides it is time to call him home
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
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 !!!
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.
Patrick Jones 5 years ago
You have an awesome son – I hope these two kids become good friends!
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'.
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.
Kevin Mullane 5 years ago
He sees someone that needs help, that his natural type to help others out.
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!
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!!!!!
Janelle Collard 5 years ago
That little boy has the kindest heart! Good for you, Christian! :)
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!
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.
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.
Lauren Baker 5 years ago
Heartwarming <3 Thank you for restoring my confidence in the future of humanity. :)
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.
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!
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..
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.
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.
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.
Load More Replies... 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!!!!
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
Load More Replies... 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
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.
debrina blackmoon 5 years ago
i was actually looking for someone to say that
Load More Replies... 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.
Phantom Captain 5 years ago
This makes me so happy. Thank you Mom for raising such a caring son.
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.
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
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.
Roman DeJesus 4 years ago
Special place for him in heaven when God decides it is time to call him home
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
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 !!!
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.
Patrick Jones 5 years ago
You have an awesome son – I hope these two kids become good friends!
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'.
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.
Kevin Mullane 5 years ago
He sees someone that needs help, that his natural type to help others out.
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!
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!!!!!
Janelle Collard 5 years ago
That little boy has the kindest heart! Good for you, Christian! :)
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!
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.
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.
Lauren Baker 5 years ago
Heartwarming <3 Thank you for restoring my confidence in the future of humanity. :)
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.
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!
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..
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.
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