Grocery store clerk allows man with autism to help him stock shelves

Jordan Taylor was just doing his job at Rouses Market in Baton Rouge, LA, stocking shelves and cooler cases. He noticed a man and his teenage son, and as he later told a reporter, "Something in the back of my mind was just like, 'Ask if he wants to help you.'" Taylor did as his heart directed, and the teen accepted the offer to help stock the cooler while his father and sister videotaped.

Why? Because the teen, Jack Ryan, is autistic. Interaction of this type is difficult for him. But with Taylor's gentle instruction, Jack Ryan stocked the cooler case for 30 minutes, which his dad Ed calls "a miracle." 

Ed asked Taylor what plans he had for the future. Taylor shared his hope to become a teacher, and Jack Ryan's sister Delaney promptly set up a GoFundMe page. In just one day, over $92,000 has been pledged to offset Taylor's future college expenses. 

And what might be the best outcome of all - Rouses Market has offered Jack Ryan a job stocking shelves.  

McDonald's cashier's heartwarming response to the needs of a boy with autism

Bonnie Kandel's eight-year-old son Leif heard about the Teen Titan toy given in McDonald's Happy Meals. He wanted one. Because Leif is autistic, he began to obsess about the toy, talking of little else. Bonnie knew the only way to manage this focus was to get him one, so mother and son went to an Indianapolis McDonald's on Saturday. 

When Bonnie ordered the Happy Meal, she was told the toy had changed - Teen Titans were out and the current toy was Batman. Leif was devastated. 

Bonnie explained to the cashier the importance of that particular toy to that particular boy, but nothing could be done. There were no Teen Titans toys left. 

TaQualliyia Patterson, a 16-year-old employee who goes by TQ, overheard the conversation and had an idea. She pulled the manager aside and pointed out the Teen Titan toys still in the restaurant's kiosk. With the manager's permission, TQ spent about 20 minutes taking the kiosk apart and getting the toys for Leif. He was thrilled. 

Bonnie shared the story on Love What Matters Facebook page. She heaped thanks TQ for her above-and-beyond kindness. 

And Leif? He played with the toys for hours.