‘Autistic’: A father's heartfelt anthem of love, loss, and acceptance

There’s a certain kind of song that doesn’t just enter your ears - it lands in your heart, unfolds its message slowly and settles deep in your soul. 

“Autistic” by Chris Wauben is exactly that kind of song - a father’s love letter to his son, a call for compassion and an anthem of pride for anyone living on the spectrum.

At 53 years old, Chris Wauben is a man of many layers.

An American living in London, a devoted husband to Corey (a special needs teacher), a proud father to his autistic son Simon and a neurodivergent artist himself. 

But more than any title or label, Chris is a man with an enormous heart and a passion to uplift others. 

His new song “Autistic” is a sparkling reflection of all of that, and here, Music News Blitz’s Anna Feraz unpacks it all.

A song rooted in personal experience

Chris has never been a bystander in his son’s life. He has lived every joyful moment, every challenge, and every heartbreak right alongside Simon. 

From navigating the difficulties of being different in a world that still too often misunderstands autism to watching Simon struggle with isolation, bullying, and the loneliness of being the only one at his own birthday party - Chris has been there.

And through it all, he’s been Simon’s fiercest advocate, biggest cheerleader, and best friend.

This connection is the heartbeat of ‘Autistic.’ While raising awareness, it also fosters acceptance and celebrates the strengths, talents and beauty of being neurodivergent.

‘I remind him every day how amazing he is’

You can hear the fatherly love in every lyric and note. 

Chris doesn’t just tell Simon he loves him. He tells him multiple times a day. He reminds him that he is incredible, unique and worthy of pride. 

That consistent reinforcement, Chris believes, is what gives Simon the confidence to move through the world with his head held high.

And it shows.

Simon is an explorer scout. He’s into astronomy and history. He writes books, he draws, is compassionate and loving, and adores his cat Charlie. 

He is, in every way, a remarkable young man.

And that is the message at the centre of this anthem: that being autistic isn’t something to hide. It’s something to celebrate.

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The evolution of a message

Back in 2016, Chris first put out a song called “I’m Autistic,” a track that resonated deeply with many who heard it. 

Fast forward nine years, and he’s revamped that song into “Autistic,” giving it new energy and an even stronger sense of purpose.

But Chris didn’t stop there.

The updated track is the centrepiece of a four-song EP titled On the Spectrum, now available on all streaming platforms. 

The project is an extension of Chris’s mission: to build empathy, pride and acceptance for those on the autism spectrum.

A quick look at the tracks

1. ‘Autistic’

The bold, empowering anthem of neurodivergent pride. It's catchy, heartfelt and soaked in sincerity.

2. ‘Clara Oswald and Doctor Who (Version 2)’

A tribute to the iconic TV show and a nod to British culture - proof that Chris, while American, has fully embraced life across the pond.

3. ‘Place 2 Be (Version 2)’

A moving track about the UK-based charity Place2Be, which provides emotional support for children in schools. 

Chris was inspired by British actress Jenna Coleman’s involvement, and the song is a beautiful spotlight on an organisation doing essential work.

4. ‘I Miss You’

A deeply personal song about grief, written after the death of Simon’s beloved cat Pumpkin. 

The pain of watching Simon lose his best friend and the helplessness Chris felt as a parent comes through raw and real. If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet, this song will hit home.

Each track has an accompanying music video, all available at ChrisWauben.com.

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A message that needs to be heard everywhere

Chris doesn’t have a record label behind him. He doesn’t have a marketing machine. What he does have is a voice that matters, a story that resonates and a mission that feels urgent: to let kids on the spectrum know they’re not broken-they’re brilliant.

“Hey, if you're on the spectrum, it’s OK. Embrace it. Love being yourself.”

That’s the message of “Autistic.” It’s a banner for every kid who’s ever sat alone in a cafeteria, who’s been misunderstood, who’s felt like they didn’t belong. 

It’s a reminder to parents, teachers and peers that kindness and understanding can change lives.

One final note

Music has the power to heal. To bridge gaps. To tell stories that don’t always get heard. 

Chris Wauben’s “Autistic” is one of those rare songs that does all three.

So if you listen to one new song today - make it this one. 

Let it into your heart. Share it with someone who needs to hear it. 

And maybe, just maybe, we can help build a world where being different is no longer seen as something to overcome, but something to honour. 

Let’s make “Autistic” the anthem it was born to be.

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