Gesture of comfort towards child with autism on first day of school goes viral around the world

When eight-year-old Christian Moore held hands with his classmate Conner on their first day at school, little did he know the image would go viral across the world and touch the hearts of so many people. Conner, who has autism, was feeling scared when Moore offered him a helping hand. That image has become a talking point for many.

Well-known child rights activist Wess Stafford once said “Every child you encounter is a divine appointment”. His words ring true as every child is capable of teaching you something new as eight-year-old Christian Moore has shown. Christian noticed another child his age Conner standing in a corner looking upset when he went up to him and held his hand. Conner, who has autism, was feeling scared and Christian’s instinctive gesture of comfort has won hearts around the world.

Christian’s mom took a picture of the two boys and posted it on FAcebook with these words. “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 honour to raise such a loving, compassionate child! He’s a kid with a Big heart, the first day of school started off right”.

Conner’s mother April Cites too was happy her son had made a best friend on his first day at school. “This made me sad, but also absolutely warmed my heart, I’m so happy a caring little boy was so kind to my baby”, she posted on social media.

The gesture is a reminder of how open and accepting children are of each other in an inclusive environment. Something that Manju Balasubramanym, Principal, Delhi Public School Bengaluru North is reminded of everyday. As the head of an inclusive set up, she encounters moments like these frequently that warm her heart.

Last year, when we had elections to select our head boy, there was a candidate who is a wheelchair user. When he filed his nominations, all the others stepped down to support him and said that they want him to become the head boy. Empathy comes naturally in children, especially primary kids. Their helpful attitude is innate in them. Young boys tend to bully a lot, and sometimes a child with autism can also be a victim. But at our school, children refrain from doing all that. – Manju Balasubramanym, Principal, Delhi Public School Bengaluru North.

Manju believes that great parents raise compassionate kids. “Till date, I have not received any complaint from a parent saying that their child has an issue with a child who has a disability. I believe that having a disabled child in your school and other children mingling with them adds to the beauty of inclusion.

Many people took to social media to share the heart-warming photo of Christian and Conner. “First day of school. Boy with autism. Overwhelmed. Another boy steps up. Holds his hand. This is love. More of this, please”, tweeted Simran Jeet Singh, a writer.

“Simple acts of kindness can change the world”, tweeted American politician John Kasich.

Instances like this truly regains our faith in humanity. Raising a compassionate and kind generation will truly help the world become a better place.

ALSO READ: New study says kids with autism more likely to be picky eaters

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