
by Kayla Myers, Peer Support coordinator
January 23, 2025
As a mother of a son with Autism, the International Day of Acceptance holds deep personal significance for me. It’s a day to reflect, celebrate, and share the importance of understanding and embracing our children. Especially those whose voices may not be heard in the traditional sense. My son, like many others with Autism, is nonverbal. This means he does not communicate with words in the way most people do. But despite the silence, he communicates in many profound ways. Sometimes through his actions, his eyes, and his presence.
International Day of Acceptance is a reminder that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be embraced for who they are. It’s a day for the world to look beyond diagnoses, move past assumptions, and to focus on the value of each individual. It’s a day to affirm that differences do not diminish worth.
As a mom, my journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been filled with extraordinary growth and learning. Autism, in all its forms, is not something that needs to be fixed. It’s something that should be embraced, understood, respected, and supported. Yes, my son’s Autism is a part of him, but so is his laughter, his love for music, and his unique way of seeing the world. Being nonverbal means that my son doesn’t use speech to express his needs or feelings. I’m convinced it must be isolating for him. But it has also taught me to listen in new ways. I’ve learned to pay attention to the subtle cues: the way his vocal stims change based on how he’s feeling, the way his arms flap when he’s excited, the way he tugs at my hand when he needs something, the way his eyes light up when he’s engaging with something that fascinates him. These moments are communication. His language is one that speaks volumes even without a single word.
Acceptance is everything. But it’s about more than tolerance. It’s about truly recognizing humanity in each person, whether or not, they fit the mold of what society expects. On this day, I want people to understand that my son, though nonverbal, is not any less capable of experiencing joy, love, or connection. He has his own rhythm and his own voice. One that doesn’t need to be heard in words to be meaningful. I see the world sometimes treating individuals with Autism as if they are broken or in need of fixing. But I’ve come to realize that my son is not broken. He is exactly who he is meant to be. And while we work together to support his development, through therapy and other interventions. What he needs most is acceptance. He doesn’t need the world to change him. He needs the world to embrace him, to make space for his uniqueness, and to see the brilliance that exists within him.
International Day of Acceptance isn’t just about raising awareness of Autism. It’s about creating an inclusive world where all individuals, regardless of how they communicate or move through life, can thrive. It’s about schools, workplaces, and communities that recognize and value neurodiversity, that offer support systems to help everyone succeed. It’s about breaking down the barriers that exist in our perceptions, and instead, cultivating a society where differences are celebrated.
As a mother, I envision a world where my son’s voice, whether spoken or not, is heard. A world where he feels seen, understood, and accepted. He is deserving of love, friendship, and opportunity, just like any other child. My hope is that the International Day of Acceptance can serve as a reminder to all of us: that no matter how we communicate, or what challenges we may face, we are all worthy of respect and kindness. If you see my son and others like him, don’t shy away because he isn’t speaking. Don’t feel uncomfortable because you don’t understand his needs immediately. Instead, take a moment to learn from him. Engage with him in the ways he invites, whether it’s through a smile, a shared look, or an action. Ask questions. Offer patience. Offer kindness. My son’s silence does not define him. It is simply one of many ways that he experiences and interacts with the world. He is intelligent, creative, funny, and full of life. His Autism is just one part of who he is. An aspect of him that shapes his world in beautiful and unique ways.
This International Day of Acceptance, I ask for more than awareness. I ask for understanding. I ask for respect. I ask for a world where my son, and all children with any disability, can feel the embrace of acceptance, today and every day.