Back-to-school shopping is a stressful experience for many families, but for children with autism, it can quickly become overwhelming and exhausting. The loud noises, long lines, and crowded spaces—what many people easily tune out—can feel like an intense storm that they have no way to escape from.

Just last week, our six-year-old son, River, needed a new pair of school shoes. We decided to visit the Clarks Village outlet store in Street, fully aware that it could be a challenging environment for him. River is autistic, and busy, noisy places often trigger his anxiety. That particular day, the store was bustling—voices overlapping from every direction, the constant squeaking of shoes on the floor, and the repetitive beeping of tills at the checkout counters all combined into a sensory overload.

Recognizing that waiting in the crowded store wouldn’t work for River, I approached a staff member for help. His name was Aaran, a young man who listened attentively as I explained our situation. I expected a polite nod or maybe a suggestion to come back at a quieter time. Instead, Aaran immediately took thoughtful action without hesitation.

He gently led us away from the chaos into a quiet staff room, providing a peaceful retreat from the noise and commotion. Before leaving us there, he placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to ensure River could have a calm and uninterrupted space to relax. Rather than rushing through the shoe fitting, Aaran patiently brought out one shoe after another, giving River plenty of time to adjust and feel comfortable.

Gradually, River’s anxiety began to fade. His hands, once tense, relaxed, and soon he was trying on different shoes—checking their fit carefully, wiggling his toes, and even breaking into a smile. By the time we finished, we had found the perfect pair of school shoes and, more importantly, River felt safe, respected, and truly understood.

But Aaran’s kindness didn’t end there. He gave us the store’s phone number and warmly encouraged us to call ahead next time. “We’ll open early just for you,” he said, “so River can shop in peace without the overwhelming crowds.” This wasn’t just about excellent customer service; it was an act of genuine compassion and inclusion.

This experience showed us what true autism acceptance really means—not just raising awareness but making meaningful efforts to accommodate and support children with autism, helping to make everyday experiences less intimidating and more welcoming for them.

To everyone at Clarks in Street, and especially to Aaran Daniel—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You didn’t simply sell us a pair of shoes; you gave our son dignity, comfort, and a precious memory of kindness that will stay with our family for years to come.