Father Hosts Drive-By Birthday Party for Son with Autism

Everyone loves birthday parties, which is why Marty Mendoza of Belton, Texas decided to throw his son a surprise drive-by birthday bash and car show in order to make his day extra special.

Mendoza’s son, Marty Mendoza Jr., celebrated his 35th birthday on June 6th with his father. Mendoza Jr. has autism and is nonverbal, so Mendoza Sr. wanted to throw a party in celebration of his life and everything he has accomplished.

Mendoza Sr. created a TikTok and Facebook page for his son called “Marty’s World” where he shows his life from day to day, from challenges to fun times. His father also uses his platform to spread awareness about autism and show tutorials on how he takes care of his son, according to his Facebook page. On his birthday, many people in their community were posting birthday wishes and colorful photos on his timeline, including Rainbow Hope of Texas, a ranch for children with disabilities. 

The birthday party was not only an opportunity to celebrate Mendoza Jr.’s life, but to celebrate autism as well. Their local special needs community came to enjoy the fun Mendoza Sr. had created, in a safe and accepting space.

Marty Mendoza Sr. setting up for his son’s 35th birthday party.

This type of surprise is definitely nothing new to Mendoza Jr. During Christmas of 2019, his father posted a Christmas wish for his son to receive a few cards in a Facebook group for parents of disabled children. Within a week, thousands of cards and presents showed up at his doorstep, all for Mendoza Jr. Fox 7 News stated that Mendoza Sr. also donated a lot of the gifts to charity due to the overflow of presents.

Mendoza Sr. tells Fox 44 News, “He’s touched so many hearts many people fell in love with him that they continue to follow him they continue watch his journey in life and see him grow as I do.”

With bouncy castles and funky cars, Mendoza Jr. and his friends had a blast at his birthday party, and the community will remember this for years to come.