Boy with sensory disorder covers ears at Pre-K graduation — the crowd's response is a lesson in inclusivity

Graduation ceremonies are usually filled with loud applause, camera flashes, and the joyful buzz of families celebrating a milestone. But for one preschooler, the crowd and the loud cheers were not moments of excitement but sources of discomfort. A video posted by Victoria Bashore on her TikTok @victoriabashore shows her son Jaxon, who has sensory processing disorder, bravely walking across the stage at his pre-K graduation while fighting through sensory overload. What happened next has been described by many viewers as a moment of rare and beautiful empathy.

In the caption, his mother explained, "My son Jaxon has sensory processing disorder and Prek Graduation is scary for him, but watch him face his fears!!!! I'm such a proud mother, a beautiful moment. He wanted to be sure I got my flower." As the video began, Jaxon approached the stage in a bright yellow gown, but as he walked, the cheers and applause from the crowd became overstimulating for him. He immediately covered his ears, which his mother noticed sitting in the audience. "It's okay, we will be quiet," she said, reassuring him. Immediately, the entire room followed her lead; the crowd fell completely silent, allowing Jaxon to cross the stage in peace.

Teachers and parents stayed still, and his classmates, seated in a line, watched him without uttering a single word. One by one, they smiled and clapped gently as he walked to get his certificate. Seeing him completing his part in the ceremony made his mother emotional. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered behind the camera. He continued slowly toward the teacher, waiting to hand him his flower, with her mother sobbing in the background. This moment was a prime example of inclusivity, something that broader research says has a great impact on academic performance. A comprehensive review of various studies found that inclusive classrooms lead to improved academic and social outcomes not just for students with disabilities, but for all learners. The study reported higher graduation rates and more effective learning environments when inclusive practices are in place.

The video reached over 2.2 million viewers, and many of them filled the comment section with admiration for both Jaxon’s courage and the community’s support. @megangilbert_10 wrote, "Wait, the crowd being silent AS SOON AS THEY REALIZED HE WAS OVERWHELMED?! IMPRESSIVE." @midsizemeghan commented, "He said 'no paparazzi please.' My mom’s heart is crying. Your son’s classmates’ parents are amazing for this." @torretyson noted, "And that is how simple it is to be inclusive. The whole room was quiet, so that sweet boy felt comfortable and safe participating." @juniebffr shared, "The way you said 'we’ll be quiet' and the crowd immediately understood the assignment and shushed." @melanin.kitkat wondered, "What school is this?!!!! Everyone should have a million dollars and a trip to Disney NOW!!!!!!!!!! This made my heart smile!"

@godiva.chocolate_ quipped, "'He’s being brave.' Thanks, guy in the background. Now I'm crying with Mama." @ineedanewtattoo13 chimed in, "Don't say sorry!!!!! We can adapt how we celebrate to how he wants to be celebrated!" @bbrinson31211 said, "As a teacher and a mom, I absolutely LOVE this!! And his sweet little voice! Congratulations buddy!! and @aprilmarie425 shared, "As a momma of a kid with autism and sensory processing disorder. This was beautiful."

You can follow Victoria Bashore (@victoriabashore) on TikTok for more family content.