Boy With Autism Asks Mum Difficult Question About The Tube, Hundreds Of Facebook Users Decide To Help Her Out

Strangers Help Mum Answer Son With Autism's Difficult Question About The Tube
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A mother appealed to a Facebook group to help her train-obsessed son with autism who wanted to know how many platforms there were on each underground station.

Laura Flora posted on the group called Shit London - a group posting photos of "unintentional human comedy" in the city - asking for advice.

"Currently his obsession is the underground and how many platforms there are at each station. And I mean each station."

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Flora added: "I would really like to not have to spend the next three months of my life getting on and off trains counting platforms, so how about if you are at a tube station you could count the platforms if you can see them and tell me which line you are on and north/south/east or westbound?

"I would like to buy a massive wall poster and be able to put notes at each and every station.

"Unless someone works for the underground and knows that a list exists somewhere with this information?"

Flora accompanied the post with a photo of the entrance of a tube flooded in spring in light of the group's purpose.

Lo and behold, Londoners came to her rescue, with nearly 700 comments detailing the number of platforms at people's nearest tube stations.

Some comments came with impeccable detail:

"Tufnell Park on the northern line has two platforms. The station is currently closed to replace the old lifts. Will re-open in March 2016. In the meantime we can get the 134 bus for free to take us to Kentish Town and vice versa."

"Don't know if anyone's done Morden - it had five platforms, all northbound, but you can't get to platform one, it'd be closed off. And as there is only one rail between platforms three and four, they lead onto the same train."

After the hundreds of comments came in, people began asking which ones were missing so they could help her out.

Flora said she was "compiling the list" and was going to get back to everyone.

One person added: "I can't really help right now 'cause I won't be in London anytime soon. I just want to say how all of this is blowing me away. Y'all must be proud.

"And Laura too. Your effort for your son is beyond comprehension."

To add your pearls of wisdom about tube stations near you, visit the thread.

This Is Autism
Bianca(01 of21)
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gio613:
Bianca is a music fan (will even dance to commercials) who absolutely loves Elmo and Mickey Mouse. She cannot live without her iPad and touchscreen PC (she wonders why everything is not touch, as evidenced by her constantly touching all screens). She is a devout fan of chips and chicken nuggets loves to laugh and hug. You will probably find her relaxing at home and asking for tickles!
Our family at the White House Easter Egg Roll(02 of21)
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LisaLightnerLL:
This is Kevin at the White House Egg Roll. He likes to do what all American kids do, he just needs some extra help!
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ktrayn78:
Our son Remy is almost three years old. He loves joking around with his Poppo, playing in the tub, and racing his cars. He smiles almost all day long and is the light of our lives.
Jude(04 of21)
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Kimwstafford:
This is Jude. He is 7 years old and has autism. He also has a big and sensitive heart, an insatiable curiosity, a love of adventure and a hard working spirit. And we love him just the way he is.
This is Autism(05 of21)
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Laura McNemee:
This is JacobHe loves nature, long walks (more like runs), jumping on his trampoline, Toy Story, and cuddling with MommyWhen he looks at me I feel like he has jumped into my soulHe has opened up my eyes to what life really is.He is Autism
Brodie J.(06 of21)
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This is Brodie J. He loves anything car related. Has a collection of over 100 Hot Wheels (and counting). This is what Autism looks like...Handsome!!!
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Seth, 16 loves Christmas, fire fighters and country music. (credit:Kris and Steve Neiman)
brother and sister(11 of21)
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Sam(12 of21)
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(credit:Miglena Sandmeier)
Aiden (13 of21)
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This is Aiden. He loves dinosaurs, Skylanders, "The Polar Express," Halloween and playing outside. He is an awesome big brother to his little sister, Emily. He is caring, imaginative and just a little mischievous! This is Aiden. This is autism. (credit:Saiyuri)
James (14 of21)
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James love Transformers, Iron Man, dinosaurs, SpongeBob and building things. He loves to draw and invent new things and making videos with his sister Melissa. He also loves spending time with his other sister Ellie and playing with our dogs Sammi and Mia. He's full of love, laughter and is the first one to offer you a hug when he knows you are sad. He is awesome! (credit:Deannda Neufer )
Mason and Kovas(15 of21)
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debeecole:
This is Micah.He loves books, playing tag, exploring, and The Angry Birds.He has a laugh that is contagious & an Amazing imagination. He is one of the faces of Autism.
Quentin(17 of21)
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Melissa Morgenlander:
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This is Garrett(19 of21)
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This is Autism.(20 of21)
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Steph Steinmetz:
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This is a picture of hope for those of you just starting out.(21 of21)
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Suzanne Romero:
This is my son who also happens to be autistic. He started school when he was a beautiful wide eyed, non verbal two and a half year old. Now he's a beautiful young man. Wednesday May 15th he graduated from high school. It was a long hard road for both of us, but I would do it all over again. It isn't over. Now a new wonderful chapter begins.