Mom overcome with emotion after her 4-year-old autistic son calls her 'Mama' for the first time

Editor's note: This article was originally published on December 22, 2022. It has since been updated.

When it comes to a developmental disability like autism, every little moment of progress is extremely special. A mother took to social media to share one such beautiful moment of her autistic son calling her "mama" for the first time. The video was posted on Reddit by u/dante8447 and struck a chord with fellow parents of autistic children.

The boy's mother has a stunned expression on her face as her son continuously calls her "mama." When she asks him "Where is mommy?" the child tapped her hand. She has tears in her eyes as she asks her son to repeat it again and again. This heartwarming and emotional moment moved many Reddit users to tears and they took to the comments to share their love. Reddit user David-Oaken joked: "I'm also autistic, She looks happy now but... Quote from my mother 'you didn't speak till you were 4, then we couldn't get you to shut up.' Give her a week or so. She'll be sick of it."

Meanwhile, u/novenoarte commented: "As a father of a nonverbal autistic son this touched me. Congrats! I’m literally dying for my son saying Papá." Another father, u/Abject_Class4121, wrote: "As a father, I have to admit that there is no greater feeling than for my children to see me and say 'dada' 'papa' and run up to me and hug me, seeing their smiles and their random idiosyncrasies that make them who they are. Seeing this video makes those feelings rush back into me, it is amazing!!" 

Another parent of an autistic child, u/tempermentalelement, shared: "I'm currently laying on the couch and my 3-year-old autistic son has his arms wrapped around my neck while he sleeps. He's non-verbal now but I hold out hope that one day I will have this moment." u/kidnorther wrote: "Toddler parent here, I can see the amazement in your eyes. Thank you for sharing this a."

It is always wonderful to see parents record such beautiful movements. In another adorable video, Tommy, an autistic youngster, attended his first Halloween party and his response was amusing. The youngster can be seen bouncing and having fun with other kids at the party while wearing noise-canceling headphones, which can help folks who are sensitive to competing noises. The text overlay on the video reads: "Today my autistic son took part in a Halloween disco... I remember all too well the years when understanding and following instructions seemed near impossible." 

The child can be seen having the time of his life at the disco and beaming with delight. "Now Tommy takes part in and enjoys activities I used to only dream of," the parent wrote in the video. People with autism spectrum disorder frequently experience difficulties in social situations and engaging with others. As a result, individuals may lose out on crucial life events. They may, nevertheless, enjoy life to the fullest with ongoing care and assistance.