Family Touched By How Grocery Store Clerk Treated Autistic Boy

Life can be difficult for a family when a member is on the autism spectrum. Everyday tasks, like going to the grocery store, can be difficult. It's even harder when someone who doesn't understand your struggle is rude, or outright mean to you. There are those shining moments, however, when someone's random act of kindness just makes your day.

One grocery store clerk made the day of Delaney Alwosaibi. The woman's 17-year-old brother, Jack Ryan Edwards, is autistic. Because of this, going to the grocery store with the teen can be a problem sometimes. He can sometimes get fixated on things, which others may find annoying.

Autistic people have trouble with communication and social skills. There are many different types of autism, varying from mild to severe, and the disorder can also be accompanied by other mental health issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and learning disabilities.

People can sometimes be mean to Jack or get impatient, but not on this day. On this day, Jack and his father went to Rouses, a grocery store in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area, and ran into a kind-hearted soul.

Jordan Taylor is a stock boy at Rouses, and he was busy stocking shelves when Jack came into the store. Jack got fixated on the idea of putting out the milk and juice cartons on the shelves, and wanted to help. The 20-year-old grocery store worker let him. Taylor didn't rush Jack, or try to hurry him away. Instead, he showed the patience of a saint.

Jack's father took some video of the interaction. Alwosaibi posted it on Facebook.

"Talk about a stand up young man!!!!" she wrote. "My dad took Ziggy to Rouse’s yesterday and apparently he was interested in stocking the shelves. We all know autism makes going out difficult, and sometimes grocery stores can be a challenge. This young man took the time to slow down and allow Jack Ryan to help for over 30 minutes, guiding him as he finished his task."

"He could have ignored him. He could have made an excuse and said he couldn’t allow him to help. Instead, he let him have his moment and in turn gave my family a moment we will never forget," she added.

Mr. Alwosaibi commented as he filmed the scene that he was 'watching a miracle'. He also talked to Taylor and found out the young man had graduated high school, and was looking for opportunities to pursue his education further.

Delaney Alwosaibi hoped that people on social media could help with that. She shouted out for people to help her 'hook him up with something awesome' and asked for suggestions. Some people suggested a GoFundMe campaign, which she started. So far she has raised more than $4,000 for him.

A lot of the donors have autistic children.

"My son, Andrew, has autism and kindness shown towards autistic people always warms my heart. Thank you, Jordan!" said one person.

"From a mom of an autistic son... Thank you, Jordan! Your kindness brings good to my heart! God bless you, young man! You have a very bright future ahead of you!" another said.

The Alwosaibi family is hoping to raise $10,000 for Jordan to use as an education fund.

Source: Scary Mommy
Photos: YouTube, Flickr/Holcombe of Hidalgo