Flight Attendants Calm 4-Year-Old With Autism: See the Viral Photos That Will Warm Your Heart

A flight with a young child can be daunting for any parent, so we love nothing more than hearing about random acts of kindness taking place in the friendly skies. 

Lori Gabriel and 4-year-old Braysen hopped on a flight from San Diego to Houston, and immediately things got challenging. Braysen, who has been diagnosed with autism, typically enjoys flying, but this trip turned out to be a different story. 

“He just wasn’t in a good mood. Right before takeoff, he just slipped out of his seat belt,” Lori shared with People. “We were all trying to get him back in his chair but it was impossible. I’m restraining him with my arms and my legs and he’s just fighting us. I thought we were going to get kicked off of the plane.”

RELATED: Mom Shares the Sweetest Story About Her Autistic Son’s First Solo Flight

The Texas-based mama was beyond relieved when a group of flight attendants came to her rescue, ready to help. “Laying on the floor of the plane was calming for him. The flight attendants kept asking if they could help us — they were so overwhelmingly nice. I never expected them to work around my son but they said if he’s happy, they’re happy.” 

Flight Attendants Calm 4-Year-Old With Autism: See the Viral Photos That Will Warm Your Heart | "I never expected them to work around my son but they said if he’s happy, they’re happy.”
CREDIT: Lori Gabriel / Facebook

The United Airlines flight crew allowed Braysen to rest in the aisle and visit with other passengers. “He wanted to be with everybody else on the plane. He wanted to go make friends. The whole three and a half hours, he was making his rounds between me and first class. The flight attendants didn’t just take care of us — they took care of everybody on the plane. I’m sure it was challenging for them, but they wanted to work around my son because they wanted to see him happy. It was amazing. I still cry.”

Flight Attendants Calm 4-Year-Old With Autism: See the Viral Photos That Will Warm Your Heart | "I never expected them to work around my son but they said if he’s happy, they’re happy.”
Credit: Lori Gabriel / Facebook

As the flight came to an end, the flight attendants gifted Lori a touching handwritten note that later went viral on Facebook: “I commend you for your strength. Do not ever let anyone make you feel as though you are an inconvenience or a burden. He is a blessing. God bless your patience, your love, your support, and your strength. Continue to be super woman. And know you and your family are loved and supported.”

Flight Attendants Calm 4-Year-Old With Autism: See the Viral Photos That Will Warm Your Heart | "I never expected them to work around my son but they said if he’s happy, they’re happy.”

United Airlines later responded with a lovely follow-up via social media

About Mamas Uncut

Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.

-->

Leave a Comment