According to the WHO, one in 270 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some of those children are diagnosed at an early age, but most of them don’t get a diagnosis until much later, while there are others who never do.
Many of those people who have autism can improve over time, and have the skills and abilities needed in order to live independently.
However, there are others who are severely affected by the condition and require “lifelong care and support”.
And, while autism is not contagious or doesn’t mean that the person is less smart than others, people often mistreat, discriminate, or abuse those who have an ASD.
According to the WHO, “people with autism are often subject to stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations”. This can have negative effects on their lives, while their social skills could improve, having a positive impact on their quality of life.
Luckily, Landon Rozeboom is one of those children who received kindness from the people around them, resulting in better interaction with others.
Landon had not been diagnosed with autism until he went to preschool when his family realized he was not behaving like other kids his age.
“When kids would be playing together,” says Barb Alderink, Landon’s grandmother, “he would be off by himself. When you tried to start a conversation, he couldn’t look at you- no eye contact.”
At the age of four, Landon was actually diagnosed with autism. Soon, he started developing fixations on certain things, as most autistic people do.
He first became fixated on trains. Then, it was the garbage trucks’ turn.
Landon’s fixation on garbage trucks lasted for more than seven years. At some point, he even became friends with a garbage truck driver.
A few years ago, Michelle Copen was hired by the company Chef Container, replacing the previous driver who was doing Landon’s round.
When the woman and the young boy saw each other, they instantly liked each other. This was the beginning of an unlikely yet beautiful friendship.
“We were following her as she was picking up the cans and stuff,” Landon’s grandma said, “and he was so impressed with her- she was very efficient, on time, she didn’t tip over the garbage can, he thought ‘Wow, she is really good!'”
That was it; Landon started following behind the truck in a car, or riding behind the truck on his bike- he was excited to observe how Michelle went about her work.
Initially, the driver said Landon was shy, but then little by little, he started opening up.
“We’d have little one-sided conversations,” Copen said, “and after that, he started opening up and talking back.”
What at first was mostly speaking on Michelle’s part, eventually became a real conversation between the two, who are now friends.
Landon even gave her a Valentine’s gift and souvenirs from Hawaii, while Michelle always keeps his favorite treat in the truck.
“This friendship would have not made it- she was sweet and patient, and gentle with him, and gave him just enough attention, but not too much.”
It is so heartwarming to see people come together in such a way.
Really, a small act of kindness can go a long way.
Watch the video below and see for yourself how sweet Landon and Michelle’s friendship is.
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