Walmart employee who helped mom of autistic child during meltdown gets thanked for Feel Good Friday

[@offthesidelines]

The fact that he also remembered the other 2 ladies and made sure to mention their help before Nathan even did (during their conversation) speaks a lot to the kind of person he is. Such an empathetic and decent human being.

[@MamaJLW]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. He’s a truly genuine person.

[@thejoe9065]

The way he talks, his demeanor, you can tell he has a kind, gentle and very sensitive soul. What an awesome guy!

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Justin clearly is a strong person in many ways, too.

[@debbiebramwell]

Yes. Very nice man. 🙏🏽🫶

[@qreeneyez916]

*My son is autistic, and you can’t imagine the stares people give. Attitudes, etc. makes it more hard to comfort them & calm them down with everyone and comments. Thank you to this kind person for stepping in & helping. You’re truly an Angel sent from above in that moment. I’m so glad she wrote in to have him recognized. And what makes it more crazy is my brother who just passed away, his name is Justin! So crazy*

[@cjhoward409]

Why do people stare ?! Seriously ? Even a simple thing like me these last few weeks. I had neck surgery and was wearing a neck brace. So many people stared and looked at me like I was diseased ! How horrible ! I never stare at people with special needs. I smile at the moms and sometimes chat with the kids. 😊

[@Hammertime65]

I don't know you , but can i just say most people don't live in your shoes ( ie shouldn't really judge ) . You do what you can and how you can , ignore the pointers and the ones with negative thoughts etc .

[@Hammertime65]

​@cjhoward409 we have people that walk the special needs near us ( Finland) . I stopped my car one day at a zebra crossing ✝️ well in time so they could ask cross , and i said from the window what an amazing job they do

[@nikan7704]

​@@cjhoward409 Just keep in mind that humans are curious, it's how we learn about the world around us. A stare at something out of the ordinary or unfamiliar to that person, like someone wearing a neck brace, can be as simple as: it caught your eye for a minute, or you're curious to take in all the details of what the brace looks like or, how it holds the person's head, etc. Most people have never worn a neck brace or probably even had someone in their family who has worn one, so it's still somewhat foreign even though they've likely seen it before. But again, it's rude to stare, so it's still a foreign thing because they've never gotten to see one much. 😊 Sometimes people are judging, but I think more often people are just curious. ❤

[@heiditate6989]

Oh I can imagine because I have 2 grandsons who are autistic (brothers). People are so rude with their starring and comments! Don't judge when you don't understand. God bless you!

[@darlenepreston3739]

As a Mom to more than one child with special needs, this brought tears to my eyes. We need more people like Justin in this world.

[@JeanKLYOW]

I don't even have kids and I'm crying. What a beautiful soul this man has. There are good people in the world. I wish you and your children all the best, from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

[@Nan-59]

Yes! And kudos to the two helpful moms!❤❤❤❤

[@NewmNetwork]

As a mum of an autistic child, this entire story gives me hope. I have been judged, stared at and told I am a bad parent because I don’t discipline my very “naughty” child. I feel So alone all of the time, but knowing there are good people like this in the world gives me so much hope. Xx

[@stephanied6727]

I've been there too. Sometimes I tell myself that the ones who judge wouldn't be able to spend a day in my shoes. I've lost friends (well I thought they were) and befriended other parents of special needs children.

[@tamaratrejo222]

I feel for you and other parents like you. I have worked with kids on the spectrum and it is not easy. I was able to go home at the end of the day and get a break, I can't imagine how alone you must feel at times, especially when people are staring. I absolutely think that they would not survive even a few days in your shoes. I always think that parents of special needs children must surely be special souls, not just anybody can do what you do!💗

[@tainamichelle2683]

I have autism myself. More specifically, I have aspergers syndrome. I wasn't officially diagnosed until my teenage years. I always questioned my behavior when I was a kid, as I didn't understand why I was acting the way I did. I'm just glad I got some answers.

[@PunguinYoga]

@@stephanied6727 My great-nephew is non-verbal autistic. If people knew what his mother endures, they would NEVER judge her. She has wanted to give up several times. But she endures. She's a better person than I am. You're better person than I am. CONGRATS!

[@user-fe7gu7ky6y]

You are not alone i am also mum of an autistic child i'm very used to been judged stared at told i have a very naughty child that i have no control of and even told she could do with a smack people are very rood and offensive they have no idea and nees to mind there own business.

[@trixietripodi688]

I love the way Justin holds his heart when he speaks about his autistic son. ❤

[@JaneDoe-ve5lr]

Justin I am a teacher for students with multi needs including autism for 40 years. On behalf of me and other special needs educators I applaud you and consider you a very special man. I wish you, your son all autistic and families the best that life has to offer. Thank you and God bless you and yours

[@sweethaven5]

My Mom was a L.D. Tutor/Remedial Resource and Intervention Specialist Teacher. She would have applauded Justin too. ❤

[@angelanowakowski8473]

Compassion is free folks! I too have a son who has Autism and it can be so so hard sometimes. People have to remember when these kids (and adults) who are having a meltdown are not trying to "give" you a hard time. They are "having" a hard time! Autism is a social communication disorder. They don't know how to communicate that they're completely overwhelmed so they have a meltdown to release the energy and overwhelming emotions they are feeling. In the end, please be compassionate if you happen to come across a situation like this yourself. There are so many medical diagnoses that you can't see. Please be kind! Thank you so much to this gentleman and the two women that stepped in to help. We truly need more people like you! 🥰❤️☮️

[@cindyrobinson3882]

Thank you for the explanation. ❤ We truly need to be educated. 🙏 😊

[@angelanowakowski8473]

@cindyrobinson3882 You're welcome! 🥰

[@tamaratrejo222]

👍💗

[@rcarrick355]

Wish I could like your comment a lot of times!

[@rubysilver3299]

Thank you for eloquently advocating for people with special needs. My autistic son has meltdowns and before he was diagnosed, when I knew next to nothing about autism, I would explain to my family that he doesn’t “take tantrums”, the tantrums take him.

[@cindyrobinson3882]

Alot of us, including me, a 62 yo woman, are uneducated about autism. Thank you for sharing this story. I will be more mindful when I see a parent in distress. ❤ I have a hard time being in crowds & sometimes have to leave store. We (the public) need to be more educated so we can be helpful & not so judgemental. 🙏 Thanks again for sharing this story. 😊

[@tamaratrejo222]

Thank you from someone who has worked with autistic kids, I appreciate your comment!

[@debraperdue9093]

A kind hearted young man with a good moral compass and wise words for us all.

[@HermitRuledbyMercury]

I love how he didn't even want to call her out for being embarrassed ♥️ and makes sure to include the two women that helped.☮️♥️

[@PunguinYoga]

That was amazing. So considerate!

[@bookwormwonder]

As a 38 autistic adult and also growing up with bipolar from my toddler years, I am so glad to see things changing! God bless that woman! Seems to me she and her husband are like my parents.

[@hilariecalijo4643]

What a sweet, kind man. Poor lady.

[@jcspider7259]

Massive respect to you, Coach Justin.

[@terribeingessner8636]

Special Ed Teacher here, love this story bc I worked with teachers that would only have some of my kids in their class if I provided a TA. These kids are awesome. Tahnk you Nate and East Idaho News for recognizing this wonderful man.

[@randi_godspeed2063]

God bless you. My nearest & dearest is a pre-k special needs teacher. She gets kicked, bitten, hit all the time. Never quits teaching no matter what to improve the future for these kids. You work harder than people can imagine.

[@valeriethomas4168]

I’m a retired Sp. Ed. teacher. Even with all the “education” given to regular education teachers, and even administrators , our kids are often discriminated against. I had a teacher who would panic if I left my students in her classroom for a few minutes while I attended to some other need. I didn’t have an aide the last few years I taught. I agree with Terri. These kids are awesome ❤

[@beckymarsella4950]

Thank you for all you do for your students!! They are truly special and have so much to offer. Your kindness means so much to the families as well ❤

[@jamieschultea]

God Bless You! I'm a paraprofessional of special education and my child has moderate ADHD/Anxiety (Impulsive Behavior).

[@valeriethomas4168]

@ God bless you! The paraprofessionals that I worked with over the years poured their hearts and souls into their jobs! Having a child yourself with special needs I’m sure makes you more empathetic to the needs of these kids AND their parents!❤️

[@debrabyrne7671]

My son is autistic and more than once he has had meltdowns in stores. The looks and comments I would get hurt me and made me second guess my parenting. I wish people would understand that children with special needs sometimes get overwhelmed and instead of making negative comments please lend a hand and give kindness and words of encouragement

[@poppykane7230]

This is a stellar human being. He is full of greatness and humility. I adore this human being ❤

[@aikohikari6587]

To all the mums dealing with autistic kids: You are awesome! You are doing a much better job parenting than many others. You have a more difficult journey than other mums. But you show the world each day that you can do so so much better than all the others. Feel hugged and loved and appreciated.❤️💕❤️💕

[@cyanidesidesalad]

Well honestly not all mothers of autistic children are good mothers. I say this from experience. (My moms not terrible but she definitely traumatized me deeply and abused/neglected me at times)

[@mmp495]

Justin is an Angel. This is what we need kindness and understanding. He said the right words.❤🙏🏼

[@KerryBullock-s5d]

Coach Justin, thank you for your loving care of the situation. ❤

[@lisab.1595]

Justin has a calmness about him and I'm sure it helped the mom relax a bit. She needed that hug and he was there to comfort her. Kudos to Justin for going above and beyond.

[@jjellybelmo4]

With a son in the spectrum myself, I appreciate this so much. Sometimes it's just being seen (and I don't mean the mean looks and rude whispers) is the little love we need in the moment.

[@tammybarrington2033]

I truly know how it is to be in that same situation. My son is autistic and he is 29. I wish I would have had people like this man to help me

[@joanneG75]

❤❤❤❤ you got me crying... God bless Justin, the 2 ladies, Mom and her family

[@secretdaisy6484]

I’m autistic, obviously verbal and high functioning but fully aware of the challenges of families and friends of those non verbal autistic people on the spectrum. I have my own unique challenges but I manage them as best as I can as an adult struggling and with little help. Not complaining 😌. That is a heart ♥️ warming and amazing story. Justin and the other women who helped gave so much comfort to Declan and his mom. That ended as well as it possibly could have. Thank you for recognizing Justin’s extraordinary efforts. People are really quick to complain but rarely follow through thanking people for good work. This is a great example of good people doing good things. 👍☮️🌞❤️‍🩹⭐️

[@JustinGuy-w8w]

I have high functioning autism and my name is justin!

[@secretdaisy6484]

@ 👋Nice to meet you.

[@ladyofthelamps4743]

I have a son who’s on the spectrum. I was a single mom and people were downright awful. From the teachers, to strangers in stores, even my own family. Bless you Sir, a little support can change Worlds!

[@PunguinYoga]

I am so in awe of single moms. CONGRATS TO YOU!

[@christinad8771]

This is a beautiful story. I have worked with children and teens on the spectrum for 18yrs now and I know how difficult it is for the parents. Even before I worked in this field, I had such compassion and always helped people in need. I was at WalMart years ago and a lady had her 4ish year old in the cart without shoes or socks, throwing out every item she put in her cart and he was ripping everything off the shelves that he could reach while screaming. I heard the screaming first and followed the sound. I found them and offered to shop with the Mom allowing her to put her items in my cart and let her son continue sitting in her cart. I cleaned up every item he threw from the shelves and told her not to worry. So many people staring at her, giving her dirty looks. It was heartbreaking to see humans judging other humans. You dont know everyones story. Instead of judge, ask how you can help. I have three kids now and having them with me never stops me from helping others and its a great example to my children. My kids wont be perfect but they will be compassionate, helpful and nonjudgemental humans.

[@Sunflower-kz5hv]

''Instead of judge, ask how you can help.'' 🌻🌻🌻

[@kathrynwitte3398]

THANK YOU for recognizing everyday heroes.

[@kwhite7344]

Hugs to the Mom!!! I also have an autistic son and have been on the ground in Wal-Mart during a meltdown!!! Way to go Justin and the other ladies who gave you support!!!

[@maryjarrell5824]

JUSTIN you and the other 2 ladies are amazing! Thank you Nate and your other coworkers for recognizing him.

[@Willowinthewinds]

This one brought me to tears. I have been in this situation with my autistic child. It is so hard when the world just stops and stares. I am happy to hear there are people in the world like Justin.

[@susanstancliff2937]

Thank you Nate and crew. Thank you to the Walmart employee and the two women who helped this mom and son. Sometimes kind acts are all we need to make it through! Thank you for Feel Good Friday!❤

[@JoeUrdiales]

Well, I have to say Justin did an amazing thing, he hugged the mom, telling her she was a fantastic mom and doing a great job. Autism, you just don't place on a back shelf. My sin isn't autistic, but very non verbal, at least to us, stays in his room all the time and sleeps. I go in there make him put his phone down and just have a quiet talk with him. Its a little hard to figure him out, he makes good grades and does his chores, just unsocialable. I ask him questions, give him task and applaud him for it. Sometimes he does have breakdowns and afterwards he and I talk about it. So i can imagine what people go through knowing this happens regularly. God bless him and the mother, and her son. Well deserved coach justin.

[@Jimsalos]

Wonderful gentleman!

[@lisaa7697]

I'm glad there were kind people there to help. My son who has autism had a meltdown in our local Walmart when he was a teenager. At the time he was almost 6 feet tall, all he was doing was screaming and all of a sudden there were four or five male workers that were surrounding us and making it so much worse. Thankfully my brother was there, and he got between us and the workers so I could concentrate on my son. My brother told them they needed to step back, and within 2-3 minutes I was able to calm him instead of trying to keep the workers from jumping him.

[@scottfw7169]

Yay for your brother! Yep, so very many the neuro-normies just can't seem to grasp the concept that aggression, pressuring, crowding, corralling, trapping, are often counter-productive. Good-guy adrenaline is not the cureall some seem to think it to be.

[@ruthlundy4497]

This is how REAL adults act and help each other, I really feel this one ,bless this guy and the other helpers ......people who simply judge and stare .. well I'll leave that here ...

[@karentucker3460]

Well done sir!!! Applause!!!!

[@fawnjenkins7266]

It is hard and we are "not alone" ❤ Thank you, Coach!

[@Grandma_CC]

Justin and the 2 other ladies were this moms hero's that day. Simply amazed by the compassion of the three hero's and the amazing mom keeping the child safe. I definitely feel good for this Friday. Thank you Ashley Furniture and Nate from East Idaho News good job. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@lucystrider728]

Thank God for people who step in to kindly help strangers. Thank you for a beautiful story!

[@gordbaker896]

An incredibly well written and thought out letter.

[@dianepiatt5503]

God bless Mom, Son, and all who helped! ❤️. Thank you, Coach! Well deserved! ❤️

[@heatherd.9390]

God bless this man and the two women who stopped to help. I'm so grateful for people like these that choose to step in and offer support and help versus standing back and pointing. Or worse... recording it to put on Facebook or KZbin later. If more people stopped to see if there was something they could do to help instead of standing there and judging, the world would be happier, safer and more inclusive for these people who happen to have some special needs.

[@nannettesteyn4913]

Angels ! Thank you.🇿🇦🙌💛

[@pammyd5475]

It gives me hope to see such lovely, caring people like this. God bless him. A genuine soul ❤

[@blueturtle1719]

Thank You Justin for helping that mother with her son and for your awesome encouragement by letting her know she is a wonderful mom. Thank you for your kindness and empathy and for being a person of Great character. You and the 2 other moms were there at the right place and time to bless that mom.

[@rfitzgerald2004]

What an amazing guy for not just helping, but most of all knowing how to help and diffuse the situation as well as recognising the needs of his mom needing that bit of reassurance that she's doing the best she knows how. A lot of us can learn so much from children with special needs. I also have a son with Autism, thankfully my son doesn't really have meltdowns but what we learn about how to communicate and calm a person in a challenging situation is an incredible skill to have not just in dealing with those with special needs, but you can at times apply those same skills to other areas of everyday life.

[@ALFiordita]

Kindness. Compassion. Understanding. We desperately need more people like the those who helped the mom, and Feel Good Fridays that help the helpers. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marshaloneagle4646]

I love this segment - it shows very honestly how small actions can have such huge impacts. Bless you all and here is hoping we can all do something for somone this week.

[@functionoflightone]

What an amazingly humble and sweet person. I just love him for giving credit to everyone else first. Best to you, Sir!

[@janicecanfield9211]

Thanks Justin for the hug for the mom. She needed protective arms. 🤗

[@SotasExotics]

Bro 0:31 people need to learn how to park

[@ellimae1548]

😂

[@indowneastmaine]

@XX-pl3tm Snow and ice doesn’t just vaporize to dry asphalt during the time it takes to shop. You’d make excuses for anybody, wouldn’t you? They suck at parking. I mean really suck to occupy four spaces like that. At least their plate made it on the news.

[@visax8550]

@@indowneastmainewho cares? Is that all you got from this video???? Get a life!

[@indowneastmaine]

@@visax8550 Oh I took away a lot more from this video, but I’m not commenting on that. Who cares what you think? If you have time to stop and tell me to get a life, go look in a mirror.

[@baseballquilter]

Awe! What a great man, human being, parent etc. We also have a child on the spectrum who is our miracle child and our angel. We are truly blessed for what the good lord has given us. My sister once told me "God gives you what you can handle." We are all strong. We just need a good hug once in a while.😇🥲

[@ONNpankaj]

Secret Santa, EIN and all others precious people behind the scenes Love from Bharat (India) for kindness and generosity ♥

[@rhondaphillips432]

THIS IS SO SWEET,FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT HELPED❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@M52301]

I've been in this situation as single Mom to Autistic Son more than once. The comments & looks only add to the feeling that you're not enough, when you are literally giving every ounce of your physical AND emotional strength to help your child. Kindness and compassion are things ANYONE can give & mean the world when someone feels alone in it (for this & many other situations) Remember you never know what someone else is going through, either physically or emotionally.

[@jennifermartinez5616]

What a cool man, dad, employee and coach! Explained it perfectly and helped ease the mom’s tension with your (& the two ladies) gracious actions!

[@88Doug]

It is soo amazing how everday we all have a gift to change the world. Even a smile or a nice comment!

[@markbutcher3423]

God bless you Justin and the two ladies! I have a daughter with special needs and there have been some situations with her in the public. This story reminds me of all the good people in the world.

[@n1knunya903]

Yay Justin! More people need to show compassion and concern for those around us. Warms the heart.

[@Albe3331]

The difference between someone with autism who lashes out and someone without autism that lashes out is the one with autism can’t control themselves. I’m 73. My little sister who is now 65 has developmental disabilities. She has been verbally and physically abused by those who claim to be “normal”, but to this day if she sees someone in need who needs a helping hand she is there for them. She even volunteered at a local Catholic charity, Loafs and fishes a food bank because she says she can help “ lots of people who need help.” She has touched the hearts of many in our community.

[@joellenpaull3294]

This story and the lesson that they aren’t alone resonated with me. When you break through the communication barrier, the rapid growth is astounding. Autistic people can be so misunderstood. Once they know you get it and you treat them with respect and provide age appropriate activities. The trust is solid. However, you will always be putting yourself in harm’s way if you intervene to protect their target be it a wall or a caregiver. I managed two autistic group homes one for adults, one for adolescents. Once they knew they could trust and we started working the programs they eventually settled in and just kept getting more interactive every year. I loved that job. I’m retired now. Very rewarding, challenging and terrifying experience I ever loved.

[@PunguinYoga]

Thank you. I admire selfless people.

[@lindahatcher1869]

Sending prayers, love, and light to the child and his family. So glad Justin and the two ladies were there to help. It can be such a stressful situation and you do feel like you are the only one going through the situation.🙏♥☀

[@veegee3291]

What a compassionate, nice man. The lady and her son were fortunate to have his assistance.

[@fs6622]

A really GOOD person!! Wanting to give the other ladies credit right till the end. He was the right person for the job. Nicely done Coach!!!

[@SharkSandwich451]

I’m a mom. The mere thought that this woman was struggling with her son and crying and no one helped her disgusted me! Guaranteed I would have been the first person to grab a few people to assist in whatever way we all could.

[@effiemooney8477]

Amen, lots of great people in this world!! ❤❤❤

[@coldblue9mm]

To Justin and the two other mothers, I say Thank You. That's awesome that you all stepped up to help this woman and her child.

[@BillyAlabama]

We all need to learn from Coach Justin…how to care and how to love the people around us. What a good man.

[@sharisalewis2579]

Thank you for sharing this story. As an autism mom, we’ve all been here and this response is incredible. ❤

[@suzx7641]

Thanks for sharing this feel good moment. It's like the song "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love"❤️

[@artsisland1683]

Coach and teacher. THANK YOU! An important lesson in understanding for everyone.

[@savannahklein1595]

The World needs more Coach Justin’s 🙏❤️ and of course the other 2 helpful ladies. GOD BLESS

[@breezeh1127]

Kindness goes a long way. I love that multiple people who understood stepped up to help ❤❤ Thanks Justin..she needed that hug and reassurance

[@allysonperling8989]

This could have been me with my young adult child. How lovely that three people stepped forward to help. We need more of that in the world.

[@nealfeldpausch715]

Oh this guy... 👊💪 Powerful. Beautiful.

[@88Doug]

What an amazing guy to have at Walmart! He really makes that place great! You know he does amazing work there too!! So cool!

[@dorothyarensindependentcon3328]

Very grateful to hear the mom emailed a grateful statement and the to see that you personally went to hand Justin not only the gift cards, but the thank you and to hear the story that we are not alone and we all have times that help from others is a blessing.

[@TheKnittingAstronaut]

Folks like Justin and those two ladies were amazing, and it was great that he even made sure to mention the ladies as well.

[@goldensunshine1910]

What a great story. I have a son with Autism and a mood disorder and believe me I totally get this and have been through it myself more times then I can count. Its nice to know there are good people who take the time to help and not judge. Its tough as a parent in that situation. You are expected to know what to do to control you child. Or you are looked at like a bad parent. Autism is tough on us. Please remember to be kind. It goes a long way when a child with Autism is in crisis and is struggling. God bless this man and the two women who helped out. And a big hug to the mom going through it. Hang in there. You are stronger then you realize. :)

[@YvonneSmith-c9x]

Justin is a man with a beautiful heart and soul❤. May God bless him always 🙏

[@Milaperadotti]

As a mother of an autistic daughter who has occasional meltdowns I applaud this man for being so empathetic and understanding

[@bryanlb4987]

This poor woman. Honors to her for her courage as she continues on caring for the child.

[@ashleyhelms8010]

That’s awesome story Thank you, Justin, for everything you did for the lady and the mom in there helping her out I know a couple moms that have kids with autism nonverbally, and then have meltdowns❤w❤❤ This touched my heart

[@88Doug]

Soo cool! Real compassion is an awesome element to life! Thank you also to who ever hired that young man!

[@jamieschultea]

As a mom with a child who has moderate ADHD/Anxiety with impulsive behavior means a lot. There's a lot of times when my son has a meltdown in the store, and several people just look and stare at you but, doing the best to help try to calm him down. So glad to know there are so many people out there that will stop with what they are doing and lend a helping hand and calm down a special needs child. Kudos to Nathan and the other 2 ladies as well.. Glad to know there are still good, kind and caring people in the world we live in. God Bless them!

[@cyanidesidesalad]

Im genuinely curious what causes your son to have meltdowns at stores? Are they big meltdowns? I’m wondering because I have ADHD, Severe/Acute anxiety including social anxiety and I’m autistic amongst other things like impulsivity as well and most of my life I would never have meltdowns in public because I was so deathly afraid of what other people would think of me. (I did have meltdowns at a very young age though but once I was old enough go to be more aware I stopped completely in public places and was a lot more quiet about being upset) Also I know although your son and I struggle with similar things that we are not the same. Maybe he just struggles to deal with his emotions more and can’t communicate them well? Not sure but let me know when you can and if you want to even. I’m genuinely curious and sorry if I said anything offensive.

[@jamieschultea]

@@cyanidesidesalad has a hard time with emotions still...hes only 6

[@LynetteSerrato]

Agree with that to my son has same and melt downs he's 30 yrs old he's grown so fast I'm proud mom of my son people can think what they want it happens to alot parents go through alot we handle it just fine

[@patriciathompson350]

Well done to those two ladies and coach Justin. I remember shopping in a supermarket here in Canada and seeing a mother struggling with her son who was trying to pick things up and was getting agitated. I went over to them and quietly said hi to the boy. The mum apologized and without taking my attention away from her son I said " you just carry on shopping and I'll walk with you. I remained calm and walked with her son, communicating with few words and calling him by name. She told me how hard and embarrassing it gets when trying to shop as normally people just stare. She asked me if I had a child with autism and I said no but I'm a retired educational assistant who had worked with children who are on the spectrum. Even if you don't know what to do please do not stare. Parents with children who have special needs are struggling on a daily basis, and need us to be non judge mental and patient. ❤❤

[@Sarahopal]

What a wonderful story! ❤ I take care of a couple of kids who have pretty severe trauma issues. They have been in and out of foster care. People are so unkind when I take them to the store. I want to pull every one of those people aside and explain that these girls have been through more than most adults experience. They are doing the best that they can. Please be kind and patient. You have no idea what people are going through. I had one customer service lady at a store whom I will always remember. She was so gentle when my girls were melting down. Other people glare. She totally understood what was going on. Plus, she could understand every word they said. They both have very strong speech impediments. It made their whole day better and mine.

[@janelogan3930]

It’s nice to know that good kind people exist in this world , and come to help others in need. 😊

[@BunnyQueen97]

I’m terrified of the world we live in today, but stuff like this reminds us all that we ARE growing as a species ❤ ten years ago, no one would have stopped, there would have been plenty of comments about “pushover moms”. Now, “we’re all in this together”!

[@jacquicoder7160]

That really made me feel good! This world needs a lot more people like Justin, and the others who helped in that situation. I watch a family on YT who have an autistic daughter. Their goal is to spread awareness and acceptance of autism, to help other parents to know how to deal with situations such as this mother experienced. They would love Coach Justin, I'm sure.

[@magdalenacruz2382]

This is a beautiful story. Thank you for recognizing his kindness. Something that stood out to me is how many people in this story have a child on the spectrum. It got me thinking about how many people I know that have autism. Growing up I didn't know anyone with it. Now so many have it. We have got to find the culprit.

[@christopherx7428]

Great man! I am a single father with two autistic boys and know the situation very well. It is tough, sometimes more than usual.

[@SlipperySoap]

My brother and I have autism ourselves, and I'm trying not to have meltdowns in public, but I admit that I still need to work on that! It's so hard for me to keep my composure, especially when things don't go my way 😞 😪! But I'm trying every day, and I'm getting better and better! I just need to watch what I do and trust my family! Especially my mom and sister! ❤

[@Angelchakra]

It’s so hard to cope when you’ve got an autistic kid having a meltdown in a public place, having support like this is so special and amazing, I’ve had to learn to ignore stares and comments (I also stare back sometimes), I wish more people would understand that we’re mums trying to do our best to keep our kids safe and calm and sometimes the calm part is more difficult at times. It’s even harder when the child is older and they become aggressive. Sending love and hugs to all mums going through this ❤

[@nuttermecharena]

We need more angels like this and the other 2 ladies they all rock thank you!

[@peggyjay6791]

God bless this man and the 2 ladies!❤❤❤

[@NYNC88]

What a kind man! I needed a "feel good" story today.

[@D.Townsend-r8q]

Im in West Michigan. Stumbled across your local news tv station. I love your Christmas stories n all these Human interest articles. IDAHO seems to have lots of Kind people. God Bless from Grand Haven Michigan. ❤

[@leigh6979]

As someone on the spectrum myself, it means the WORLD when folks are understanding during distress and meltdowns. It really is impossible to control and feels extremely sucky to experience, so we really don't need to be judged on top of it. Thank you so much for demonstrating that extra patience and understanding that I hope more and more people learn how to show.

[@jasmin0930]

What a great Feel Good Friday and thank you Justin for helping those in need ❤