Airline Employee Assists Man During Autism Meltdown

Russell Lehmann, a young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder, had an experience he’ll never forget at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  Lehmann was having what he called “the worst meltdown of my life;” but thanks to an American Airlines employee named David; Lehmann’s nightmare travel experience was transformed into a positive one.

Lehmann had missed his flight connection for the second time in two days; and after hearing his flight would be delayed; he began crying and hyperventilating. David saw just how upset Lehmann was and approached him to find out what was wrong.

As described in a Facebook post; Lehmann said; “I was barely able to get any words out. I believe I mumbled the words ‘I don’t know. I can’t think; I have autism.”

David immediately showed Lehmann compassion; letting him know that he could reroute his flight to make sure he got to Cincinnati that night and even offered to buy him a slice of pizza. About 10 minutes later; David came back over to Lehmann with the pilot of the new flight he could take.

“David had notified the pilot; along with the entire crew; of my situation; and he took it upon himself to clear out a whole row of seats so that I would be able to have a space to myself during the flight;” Lehmann said.

David walked Lehmann onto the plane before any other passengers boarded and introduced him to the flight crew. At this point; Lehmann was crying; but these were “tears of thankfulness;” he describes. “If it hadn’t been for David; I would not have gotten on that plane.”

Lehmann’s Facebook post reached over 95;000 people; and he says the main message behind the post isn’t about autism – “It’s about doing the right thing. About being a good person. About accepting others and reaching out your hand to someone in need; even if they are a total stranger.”

Lehmann is a speaker; author; and autism advocate. He was on his way to Cincinnati to give a speech; and because of David’s kindness; he was able to make it.

He concluded his emotional post by urging others “Show what you’re made of. Give a damn. Stand above all the fighting and arguing. Be brave and open your heart. Fulfill your moral duties as a human being. Be like David.”