They comfort others when sad or crying. As they get older and "grow up" sadly that goes away in most cases.

Whenever I had a new student they would actually argue over who would get to take her to lunch, the bathroom, sit next to the new student, etc. If someone didn't understand English or know where something was they all wanted to help at the same time. I used to have to make them take turns helping out. This ends around 4th grade and by the 6th grade forget it, it is the opposite. The peer group system and bullying takes over.

any (fill in the blank with a 'leader' of that religion.)

That friendship was meant to be.

My son’s first grade teacher greeted me in tears at his first parent teacher conference. I was worried for a minute. Then she started telling me about how my son walked to recess every day with Katie, a fairly profoundly disabled child in his class.

He would walk Katie to the swing set, help her onto her swing, get her going, and then run off to play kickball.

And then he would come back every few minutes and give her a gentle push, until recess was over and he walked her inside.

By the end of that conference, we were all bawling.

Would love to see Christian’s mom after his first conference!

I think he would still walk through fire if he saw someone in need of help.

He simply did the right, kind thing. Either/both he didn't see kindness as a big deal but as something natural, or he didn't want to pat his own back. Whatever his reasoning, what a beautiful, beautiful thing to do.

My gosh, how proud you must have been to hear about that! And how proud of him you must be now!

If only more people could be like this, the world would be a wonderful place.

“It was in the 1st day of school and I started crying then he helped me and I was happy," Connor Crites said.

I was struck at how composed Christian was inthe photo and the video.

Thank you Christian and Connor for providing a glimpse at what CAN be, what SHOULD be and what we FIGHT for...

In today's world, this kind of innocent kindness is all too rare, but all too precious as well. If this example of pure human decency is not the world we want to build, then why bother fighting at all? If all there is in the world is a zero sum battle of "I have to win, so you have to lose" thinking, then we are lost forever.

These little boys have provided a gift to me today...an too brief respite from the torrent of bad all around me, and for that, I thank them both, but in particular Christian for simply being kind and being an example in a world that so often see color and passes judgement before ever seeing just how amazing anyone can be if you give them the chance first.

Life would be so much better without taught hate.

Christian's parents should be proud of their son and thanked for their caring son.

Connor and his family are lucky to have this new friend.

i was one of them.

He’s autistic and starting kindergarten today.

I remember no one knowing what was wrong with my brother, for decades. Now I have worked in the IT field with some very smart autistic folk. You get used to them being different and see what they have to offer.

had to take time out have a real cry!

Vacation Sunday school to children.

yes indeed

This is how we survive.

This one of the most beautiful things I have seen.

Tears of joy emoji.

What they taught him about empathy and respecting others on display.

Teaching kindness early on is critical, IMO. Peers make going to school a happy event for many kids with disabilities.