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This Dunkin’ Donuts Employee’s Dance-Off With An Autistic Customer Will Melt Your Heart

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We all live rushed, hectic lives with our fair share of struggles, and parents of children with special needs are no different. Once in a while, though, a small gesture of kindness can flood someone’s whole day, maybe even their whole life, with happiness.

When Donald Simon stopped in at a local Dunkin’ Donuts, he was probably expecting to enjoy a quick treat. Instead, he got something so much more.

You see, Donald, 26, is autistic and nonverbal. The Staten Island native was visiting the donut chain with his aide, Angela Jasmine.

Compared to the exciting things Angela helps Donald experience, including basketball, pottery, and piano lessons, a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts probably seems a bit mundane.

However, after watching a viral Facebook video of the incident, “mundane” is the last word we’d use to describe the visit.

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DD employee Bryan Lara likes to do what he can to make visits to the restaurant memorable. “When we’re not too busy, I always make a point to talk to my customers,” the 36-year-old shared with Yahoo Lifestyle. “I know most people’s names and their drink orders.”

While it sure feels good to have your face, name, and favorite coffee combo remembered when you’re one of thousands of people who visit a place like Dunkin’, Bryan took things a step further with Donald.

Donald was excited to see Bryan’s friendly face, but when Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” began playing on the restaurant’s speakers, a heartwarming dance-off ensued.

Bryan began dancing to the ‘80s hit, and Donald grinned wide as he mimicked Bryan’s moves. When Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” took over, Angela began recording as Bryan and Donald cut a rug.

https://www.facebook.com/792368507/videos/vb.792368507/10158442813753508/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab

“I am always dancing, and when I saw Donald smile, it was a great feeling,” Bryan said. “I love my customers so much.”

Angela shared the video with Simon’s mother, Donna Maxon. Thrilled with Bryan’s fun, accepting interaction with her son, she shared the video to Facebook where it instantly went viral.

“Sometimes the Staff at Dunkin Donuts does a floor show to ensure their Special guests are having fun! Thank you for rolling out the red carpet for Donald,” she wrote.

“When you’re on the spectrum and nonverbal, the word friend isn’t used that much, and it touches the heart of a special-needs mom,” Donna shared in an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle.

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“Bryan has shined a light for so many people,” she said, surprised that Bryan hadn’t had an ounce of training in being sensitive toward people with special needs like autism. “It’s human kindness.”

Though we may not fully understand what it’s like to be Donald, it doesn’t take special training to know that people with special needs deserve kindness. Thank you, Bryan, for your incredible example!

 

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