My DS is 10 and had autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD and dyspraxia. Life is puzzling and challenging for him lots of the time. He has had fabulous support from his mainstream school which has a very caring ethos and stresses caring for others too.
So yesterday I was headed to the bank after school and as we rounded a corner DS noticed a thin middle aged man sitting on the pavement wrapped in a blanket asking for "loose change". DS stopped immediately and asked me to "give the man some money" but I had none (heading TO the bank 
). The man spoke to DS and said something along the lines of "don't worry son but thanks".
After this DS just wanted to go back and give him some money. I explained that sometimes people living in the streets had other problems (I couldn't explain drugs to him in so short a time) and that giving money generally wasn't a good idea. I suggested we bought him a hot pastry and a tea from the bakers so he could have something to eat. DS asked "what, doesn't he have any food to eat"? He looked panic stricken about this.
Anyway we bought the pastry and a bottle of water as I told DS he might not like tea or coffee. DS was still upset that he "doesn't have a hot drink" so in the end I suggested we give him £2 to buy a hot drink "later". DS couldn't wait to go back and give him these few small things and he was very happy to have them.
DS sees life in a fairly simplistic way but he was able to see this man and appreciate he was in need of some help. He did better than me 
as its becoming such a common site in our town I scarcely realised the man was there and this made me feel guilty. Feel I should now find a way of helping some of our street sleepers....especially in this very cold weather.
Was SO proud of my DS though....he can be very self orientated so am so so proud that he appreciated this man needed something and wanted to do something about it.