Non-verbal kid couldn’t tell best friend how loved he was, so his mom did it — in a note to his parents
Justin can't talk, but if he could, Hovsepian thinks he'd say, 'Thank you for being my best friend, Max.'
A non-verbal, autistic kid's mother, Lana Hovsepian (@ohlana), was elated when she learned that her son, Justin, had a best friend at school. Not only that, the kid, Max, accompanied Justin everywhere and sat with him at lunch — an inclusive move that left her touched. Upon learning how grateful her son feels to have such a friend, the mom thought to express gratitude on his behalf. Hovsepian took this opportunity to wrap up a few presents for Christmas and wrote a note addressed to Max's parents, which she shared on her Instagram handle on December 2. It’s safe to say that the note has moved online users to tears.
Her son's aide informed Hovsepian that Max was inclusive of Justin and always accompanied him wherever he went. "She told me that they have something called Mile Mondays and that Max will join Justin and walk the mile with him and that sometimes he holds Justin's hand when they walk the laps," Hovsepian revealed. She also added that the young boy would often sit with her son at lunch, and learning about it melted her heart into a puddle. Justin, who wished to express his gratitude towards his best friend, sought his mum's help, who penned a heartfelt note that read, "Justin is non-speaking and autistic. It is very hard for Justin to make friends and I was told by my son's aide that your son Max always includes him during PE. We just wanted to say thank you for raising such an incredible young man."
The note continued, "Justin can't talk, but if he could, I know he would say 'Thank you for being my best friend Max.' Whenever I mention Max, Justin's face lights up. It really truly means so much to us that Justin has a friend like Max." She even added a gift card for a café, welcoming Max's parents to enjoy a small coffee treat. The video also showcases Hovsepian wrapping presents for her son's friend, who then takes them to school. Hovsepian also shared that Max was invited to Justin's birthday party last year, which he attended; however, she was unsure whether the kids were still in touch this year. "Rewatching this today made me reach out to Justin's aide to check in, just to see if he still has those little connections with his peers. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to hear an answer that might sting," the mother wrote.
A 2022 study by Wangqian Fu outlined that a positive inclusive peer attitude toward children with disabilities is associated with better social acceptance of those children. By not engaging in bullying and accepting Justin as one of the kids, Max sets a great example of empathy triumphing over hatred. Soon after the post went viral, many users shared their thoughts. @dopeyoe28 wrote, "Yessss, we love when our kids find their 'person' in school. My son has a Billy & Noble, and he absolutely loves them both." @erks31 commented, "I love that Justin has a friend in Max! So sweet!" @kalical shared, "This is the best. Wtg Max! I remember hearing a kid plays with my son and it was THE best news. As an aide I love to share with my little besties parents these awesome moments. There are a lot of sweet kids to students on their class and school. I see it daily at my elementary school."
More on Scoop Upworthy
Little girl strikes heartwarming friendship with non-verbal autistic classmate through kindess
Share on Facebook
