Houston boy with autism saves his teacher's life with Heimlich maneuver

From KTRK-TV:

HOUSTON -- A local 10-year-old boy is being hailed as a hero. He says he used what he learned in Cub Scouts to save his teacher's life. The amazing young man explained to Eyewitness News how he reacted in an unusual situation with maturity well beyond his years.

Kyle Forbes, 10, is no ordinary kid. Most everyone will agree upon that. But now he's being honored by his school and his Scout pack for springing into action Oct. 13to save his teacher's life.

For Hyde Elementary School teacher Sheri Lowe, every day teaching art class now is a gift.

"He saved my life," said Lowe.

It was about 10 a.m. Tuesday when she and Kyle were alone in her classroom. Lowe was eating an apple and choked. They showed us how he reacted.

"And I was choking and he squeezed me like that twice. The first time it didn't work, so he goes, 'I got it, Mrs. Lowe.' And he does it again, and he does it exactly the right way and the apple came out," said Lowe.

Kyle says he learned the Heimlich maneuver last year in Cub Scouts and that his dad reinforced the teaching.

"I just knew what to do immediately and I just like hurried over there and did it exactly right," said Kyle.

Lowe calls Kyle her hero, and it's a title he's happy to accept.

"Let's get back to the interview about the hero thing," said Kyle. "I mean, that was the first time I've ever saved someone's life, in an accident. That's the first time I've ever done it."

Kyle is autistic. He has a passion for learning and like any child he wants to fit in.

"Before I was just like a normal kid, always being picked on. Then I was like a superhero. Everybody was cheering me when I came down to the office to get an award. Everyone clapped at me when I got back," said Kyle.

Lowe wonders what would be today had Kyle not been with her.

"He's in my prayers, and um, (to Kyle) tell me not to cry," said Lowe. "He is my hero."

Kyle's father is quite proud of his son. He says this is proof that children with autism can do anything others can do and that they should never think otherwise.