Recently, I was reading the meaning behind the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” I began thinking about what the 12 days of gifts would be from the perspective of a parent of an autistic child. I hope you enjoy this version and happy holidays to you and your family!

The Twelve Days of Christmas (autism version)

On the First Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

A greater love than I could imagine

On the Second Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

Extra patience I never knew I had

On the Third Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

A greater acceptance of others

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

The drive to obtain all the care and services my child needs

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

A bigger heart for those children who struggle with making friends

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

More empathy for those who are not included

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

More appreciation for the kindness of others

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

The desire to make the world a better place for those who are different

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

Laughter even through the hard times

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

A smile that lights up the room

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:

A love for learning about my child’s special interest

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, my autistic child gave to me:  

A passion to never quit trying to make their life as best as it can be