A nonverbal autistic man is being credited for helping to save a baby who accidentally fell into a pool, according to a report from WOWK-CBS in South Point, Ohio.
Aaron Cahal, 23, was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old. He uses his iPhone to communicate through texting and social media, according to the report.
The technology enabled him to contact police on Mother’s Day when he heard screams coming from a neighbor’s home.
An 18-month-old boy had accidentally fallen into a pool. Cahal took a picture of the home where he heard the screams and sent it to the local police with the text: “police we need police I heard big crying people scary people.”
It was enough for emergency crews to respond and take over after a good Samaritan provided CPR.
The baby survived and is recovering at an area hospital.
Cahal’s mother Lorena was taking a nap when it happened. She found out later what her son had done.
“Never underestimate no matter the ability or the disability of a person,” she said, “because you have no idea what they have to say or how they feel or what they have to contribute to society.”
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