This teenager has never had a birthday party. So his dad throws one and invites kids like him

A dad in Dartmouth, NS, is hosting an inclusive surprise birthday party for his teenage son next month and has issued an open invite for other kids on the autism spectrum.

Rob Bird said his son, Evan, has never had a birthday party before — nor has he ever been invited to one — because he has autism and struggles to understand facial expressions and social cues.

This makes it hard for him to make friends, Bird said.

“With all the bullying he went through in grade school, I think [Evan]decided that maybe he’s just not cut out to have friends or anything,” Bird told CBC Radios Maritime afternoon on Monday.

“He kind of gave up on the idea.”

So this year, Bird decided to throw a surprise party for Evan’s 14th birthday that would also be open to other children in Halifax Regional Municipality, ages 10 to 14, who are on the autism spectrum, have disabilities or being LGBTQ+ – or whatever. child who has never been invited to a party before.

Bird posted to the Facebook group Ask Nova Scotia, looking for parents who would be interested in bringing their children to Evans’ party.

The response has been overwhelming, Bird said, and now more than 30 children are planning to come.

“I didn’t expect it to blow up like that because it’s literally just: I’m just a parent trying to find some kids.” [who are] I’m going to my kid’s birthday party and I didn’t think it would get such a reaction,” he said.

Bird said even people who don’t have kids, some as far away as Ontario, have also offered to send Evan a birthday card.

“I haven’t kept track of how many people want to send him a birthday card, but there are so many that I’m starting to feel a little sorry for the postman,” he said with a laugh.

Birthday party next month

Bird said the party will be held at an outdoor venue on July 8.

He said there will be cake “because every birthday party should have a cake”, but there will be no balloons in case they pop and upset some kids.

There will also be pizza, which the owner of Jessy’s Pizza in Spryfield has offered to donate.

Bird said the purpose of the party is to give Evan a chance to make some friends, something he also struggled with as a child.

“I think being invited and going to another kid’s birthday party is something every kid should be able to experience,” he said.

“And with many of the parents and many of the people who have also contacted me, they have had a similar experience to mine. They also grew up as the child who never had that experience and then they just want better for their to live.” kids, you know?”

Bird said he hopes people will understand the importance of inclusion at this birthday party for Evan.

“Maybe they’re more open about inclusion and let the weird kid or the shy kid or really focus on the bullied kids and try to help them be a part of things and encourage that,” he said.

“Because I know it’s a little bit of extra care, but that little bit of extra care, if you’re willing to put in the effort, goes a very long way for kids, especially kids like this one.”