Image Credit: Google Maps
August 19, 2013 - 8:34 PM
KAMLOOPS – It was an unfortunate scene, one that plays out regularly in stores, restaurants and streets around the country, but in this scene a Kamloops cashier decides to speak up when a rude customer steps out of line.
Selina Olsen was shopping at Extra Foods with her 11-year-old autistic nephew for a new movie earlier this month. In his excitement he kept trying to hand the movie to the cashier so they could pay though it was not yet their turn.
“Anyone that knows autism knows there is only one speed,” Olsen says in a Facebook posting. “He is doing his flappy, squeally happy dance as auntie bought him a new movie.”
People with autism often have challenges with social interactions and communication, they also tend to have very repetitive behaviours that help them cope with stimulation. Some also have difficulty controlling emotion or excitement.
“How hard could it be for you to control one child?” the lady in front said to Olsen, after rolling her eyes a few times.
Olsen says she was ready to give a 'major tongue lashing' to the woman but was stopped by what happened next.
“Probably easier than it is for you to keep your mouth shut and be nice,” the cashier quickly replied.
Olsen says she went to the manager immediately afterwards to thank him for having such caring staff and then took to Facebook to share her experience on the Random Acts of Kamloops Kindness page. Support surged for Olsen and the cashier with dozens of comments and more than 150 likes on the posting within just a couple of days.
Olsen, who has two autistic nephews, says she was in another mode when the incident happened and can't recall the young cashier's name, but is thankful the cashier stuck up for them.
“Kudos to the young cashier,” she says. “Thank you for sticking up for those that need it.”
To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca, call (250)819-3723 or tweet @JennStahn.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013