A woman has thanked “lovely” Iceland worker who helped her autistic grandson after he had a ‘meltdown’ inside a store in Droylsden. Gemma Worrall was out shopping with her grandson Isiyah at the Greenside Shopping Centre supermarket when the two-year-old became distressed on June 14.
The family had not long entered the store when non-verbal tot began crying loudly, drawing “stares and judgemental looks” from other shoppers. As Isiyah screamed, he was approached by an Iceland employee who managed to calm him instantly.
The staff member even retrieved his favourite ice lolly from the stock room in a bid to cheer him up. His family say the incredible act of kindness left them feeling “emotional”. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Gemma, who lives in Audenshaw, said: “When Isiyah has his meltdowns, he screams very loudly to let you know his frustration as he can't communicate, he cries, gets very emotional and gets very distressed.
"It does happen a lot while shopping and normally I'd just leave the shop, which is what his mum has had to do on many occasions as well.
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“The stares, the judgemental looks and hostility from other people is enough to make you leave. She spoke to him at first and she was very calm when speaking to him so he calmed down instantly as he was intrigued by her.
“After she spoke to him, she asked me if it was ok for him to have an ice lolly and then she went to the staff area at the back of the shop to get him an ice lolly and once she had given it to him, he had a big smile on his face, as she wasn't aware but she'd given him one of his favourite ice lollies.
“I was taken aback and quite emotional as was his mum when I told her. The negative reaction you get when he has these meltdowns is all we are used to receiving and it can be really upsetting, especially for my daughter, being a first-time mum. This was the first time someone had been so compassionate, kind and non-judgemental.”
Autistic meltdowns are a response to the mind or body feeling overwhelmed and they may appear to happen without warning. While all children have meltdowns, for those with autism these may be stronger, longer-lasting, more frequent and difficult to manage.
“An act of kindness like that can really make someone's day and she may have seen it a simple gesture, but to me and Isiyah's mum it was so much more,” Gemma continued. “I was able to get the few things I had come in for which was the food for my grandson's favourite meal and get out of the shop with him still completely calm and eating his ice lolly.”
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