A grocery store meltdown gave a U.K. mom of two blind and autistic girls something to be grateful for.
“As you can imagine, shopping is not an easy thing for me to do,” Amanda Wilkins wrote in a Facebook post that’s drawn close to 100,000 shares.
The moment that she and parents of young kids everywhere dread happened on Saturday: both her girls had a meltdown in the checkout line.
What made this time different is that rather than judge her and her daughters, the cashier decided to help.
“She distracted my daughter by letting her scan all my shopping.”
Wilkins wrote it was “a dream come true” for her daughter Holly, “who loves playing ‘shops.'”
“It melts my heart to come across people that are prepared to go the extra mile, and little acts of kindness makes a massive difference to my world.”
WATCH: A closer look at the huge stress parents of autistic children deal with every day
The store, along with thousands of people around the world, has praised the cashier’s actions.
“We need more people like this store clerk,” said Laurie Mawlam the executive director of Autism Canada.
More on meltdowns in children with autism
Meltdowns, which are different than tantrums, can be common among children with autism.
Mawlam defined them as a physiological and mental reaction to stress, emotional or sensory overload that can overwhelm the brain of someone who suffers from autism.
“Stopping a meltdown just takes time,” she said. “It isn’t something you can just stop.”
She encourages parents who may find themselves in this situation to just do their best. And ignore any dirty looks or criticism.
READ MORE: BC researchers studying benefits of early help for children with autism
“For people who are witnessing a child melting down, do not judge, stay calm and offer support,” Mawlam said.
“Often the parents will know what will work best to help the child through the meltdown.”
READ MORE: Starbucks barista with autism channels sudden movements into dance moves
You can read the full Facebook post below.
Comments