As reported by CBS New York, 10-year-old Alex Perez who has autism has been proclaimed a hero in his local community in New Jersey for his actions to help alert a bus driver that the school bus he was driving was on fire.
The bus that was driving home several children with disabilities from Mount Carmel Guild Academy in West Orange when Alex alerted the bus drive that he smelled smoke.
Alex told CBS New York, “I smelled it and I looked toward the front and saw smoke coming from the entrance.” Alex’s mom mentioned to them how, because of Alex’s sensory abilities, he can pick up smells and sounds quicker than most of his peers. Because of Alex’s efforts along with the contributions of first responders who came to the scene everyone made it off the bus without serious injury.
You can read more about the story at CBS New York here.
Way to go Alex! This situation reminds us all about the importance of speaking up in any situation where you believe something may be off. Wishing Alex and his classmates a wonderful academic year at Mount Carmel Guild Academy.
