A mom of an autistic boy has shared how a stranger comforted her distressed son at the height of his erratic behaviour.
Calming down an upset child is no mean feat, and it can be particularly difficult if the child in question is throwing a tantrum in public. With the icy looks from passersby and your child's relentless screaming, it can be incredibly overwhelming.
However, one man has shown the one simple act of kindness can change everything.
Natalie Fernando, 44, recalled in a heartwarming post on Facebook a walk she went on with her five-year-old son Rudy in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England.
Rudy is on the autism spectrum and a common trait that many autistic people share is difficulty being redirected, particularly when they are in the middle of something they enjoy.
So, when Natalie told Rudy that they had to turn around and go back, he refused and began engaging in very disruptive behaviors.
Natalie wrote on her blog's Facebook page: "My son loves to walk, but he hates to turn around and walk back, we usually try to walk in a circuit to avoid this but on his favourite walk with the boats we have no choice but to turn back.
"This will often lead to a meltdown, one which I can normally handle but on the back of 2 weeks out of school today was too much for him and me."
Needless to say, the five-year-old's disruptive behavior didn't escape the notice of passersby.
Natalie explained: "Rudy and I were being tutted at stared at and frowned at by a woman and a man with a 2 year old in a pram trying to sleep despite me apologising for my sons loud noises [sic]."
Her son's meltdowns typically last up to an hour and can even result in him becoming physically aggressive with her.
Luckily, a man, known only as Ian, sensed the mother's struggles and decided to do what he could to help. So, he laid on the ground with the upset child in order to calm him down.
Natalie shared: "This man, my hero this morning saw my son on the floor and like any other person would assume that he was having a tantrum.
"He asked my little Roo what his name was and when I explained he didn’t really understand and that he is autistic and has a host of other challenges making this part of the walk difficult he said, that’s cool I’ll lay down with him.
"He then proceeded to chat with us whilst walking back to the car. I am so thankful to this chap Ian, I will not forget his kindness."
What a thoughtful gesture - if only we could have more Ians in this world!
