Photo of 8-year-old helping autistic classmate on first day of school goes viral

Yahoo Style UK team
Updated
An 8-year-old boy is going viral after he took the hand of his classmate, who has autism, and helped him cope with an overwhelming first day of school. (Photo: Facebook)
An 8-year-old boy is going viral after he took the hand of his classmate, who has autism, and helped him cope with an overwhelming first day of school. (Photo: Facebook)

Words: Hope Schreiber

A eight-year-old boy is going viral for his act of kindness towards his fellow classmate on their first day of school in Wichita, Kansas in the US.

When Christian Moore saw his peer, Connor Crites, crying, he walked over, took his hand, and lead him into Minneha Elementary School for their first day of school on Aug. 14. What Christian didn't know is that Connor is autistic and that his small gesture helped him handle a very overwhelming situation.

"I saw him on the ground with Connor as Connor was crying in the corner, and he was consoling him,” Courtney Moore, Christian's mother, told US news broadcaster KAKE. “[Christian] grabs his hand and walks him to the front door. We waited until the bell rang and he walked him inside of the school. The rest is history. They have an inseparable bond."

READ MORE: Twitter community helps autistic girl with heartwarming viral tweet

Sitting next to Courtney, April Crites, Connor's mother, said that every day she worries for her son and how others may perceive him.

As the photo continues to gain traction on social media, with many praising Christian's actions on that first day, the message isn't lost on their mothers.

"It doesn't matter colour. It doesn't matter gender. It doesn't matter disability, and it doesn't matter anything — just be kind, open your heart... it's what we need in this world," April said in reaction to Christian not treating her son any differently than he would the other students. "One act of kindness can change someone's life, can change the world. That's all it takes."

"I’m so proud of my son," Courtney wrote on Facebook. "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."

READ MORE: Autism signs, symptoms and the condition explained

Despite the attention they are getting online, the boys don't appear to understand what is so phenomenal about their heartwarming interaction.

"He was kind to me," Connor said. "I was in the first day of school and I started crying, then he helped me and I was happy... He found me and held my hand and I got happy tears."

The boys said that they hope their friendship, and the moment that started it, provides a lesson.

"Be nice," Christian and Connor said in unison.