An autistic student who is sensitive to loud noises was given a silent ovation as he crossed the stage for his diploma at a New York high school's graduation ceremony last month. Jack Higgins approached the stage with his fingers in his ears to block what he thought would be applause and cheers, but instead he was met with silence and fellow graduates and the audience standing for him instead. Asking for silence so that Higgins could walk to get his diploma was the idea of his parents and Carmel High principal Lou Riolo, who was able to get everyone on board for the special moment. But the graduates spontaneously stood up on their own to give Higgins a silent standing ovation, followed by their family members and friends in the audience.