I don't celebrate Father's Day.

Verse of the Week:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."

— Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

As you know, Father's Day is right around the corner.

However, in our world, it looks different.

The card may not come the typical way.

The "Happy Father's Day" may sound different, or not come at all.

The day may carry pride and grief sitting in the same chest.

The "what does Dad want?" question doesn't have an easy answer in our house.

The win that makes the day isn't always the one Hallmark prints.

Most dads I know would trade the typical Father's Day for the one their kid actually gives them.

Because the version we get is the real one.

Here's something I should probably tell you.

I'm not a person who celebrates much about himself.

• Not birthdays.

• Not milestones.

• Not me.

My family's days, I'll fight to make special. Mine, I let pass.

So when Father's Day comes around, even though people will say it, even though we may go out to dinner.

I won't make a thing of it.

For me, it's Father's Day every day.

I know how that sounds. I know it's the kind of line people put on coffee mugs. But for autism dads, I think you know what I mean.

• Every day is the day we show up.

• Every day is the day we watch closely.

• Every day is the day we choose this, again.

I'm completely blessed to be able to have the family I have.

To be with them through the ups and the downs.

To watch our children become who they are becoming.

To build memories with them that will outlast my own lifespan.

That's not a Father's Day thing.

• That's a Tuesday thing.

• That's a Thursday thing.

• That's a 2 AM thing.

It's all of it.

If you're an autism dad reading this, this letter is for you.

To the dad who works two jobs so the therapy keeps happening, I see you.

To the dad who married into this and chose it anyway, I see you.

To the dad whose kid just got diagnosed recently and is still figuring out, I see you.

To the dad whose Father's Day looks nothing like he thought it would when he became a dad, I see you. 

To the dad whose kid won't say the words "Happy Father's Day" the way the world expects, but who shows it in ways nobody else can read, I see you.

To the dad whose Father's Day will be quiet this year because his kid is regulating, or sick, or just having a hard day, I see you.

To the dad still figuring out what kind of autism dad he wants to be, I see you too. 

You're not failing. You're not behind. You're not doing this wrong.

You're one dad doing the work of two full lives at once.

And you're showing up anyway.

If this letter is for you, the weekend in Atlanta is for you too.

From July 24th-26th , I'll be speaking at the 1st Annual Autism Dads Getaway Weekend in Atlanta, hosted by Hype 4 Life Foundation and Brian Burns Family Charities.

A whole weekend built for autism dads.

Mental health.
Self-care.
Brotherhood with men who don't need you to explain.

The dads who show up quietly the rest of the year deserve a weekend that shows up for them.

If you can come, I'd love to meet you in person.

👉 [REGISTER HERE]

Before you close this, one ask.

Reply with one word: the kind of Father's Day you're carrying this year.

Could be one word. Could be three. Could be a sentence if it wants to be longer.

I read every reply.

Happy Father's Day, brother. From one autism dad to another.

If something in this letter found you, or someone you know, the door is always open:

👉 [Book a 15-minute conversation]

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical, medical, financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult licensed professionals who understand your individual situation.