Autism Digest Interview with Doug Mathis

A Song for Autism Awareness: Doug Mathis’ “How Many Days” Shines a Light in 2025

As Autism Acceptance Month 2025 draws to a close, we’re honored to sit down with country singer-songwriter Doug Mathis, a Nashville-based artist whose heartfelt music is making waves not only in the country music scene but also in the autism community. What sets Doug apart from the many talented musicians we’ve featured this month is his deeply personal and impactful song, “How Many Days,” a single dedicated to autism awareness. This song, inspired by a touching real-life moment, is a testament to how even a single creative act—like writing a song—can resonate profoundly, offering support and understanding to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In this blog, we’ll explore Doug’s journey, the story behind “How Many Days,” and how his music is contributing to a more inclusive world.

Doug Mathis: A Voice for the Heart and Soul

Doug Mathis is no stranger to the power of music. A seasoned singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, Doug has been crafting songs for as long as he can remember. His career has taken him from performing at Opryland USA to a period of ministry, where he focused on raising his family. Now, with his children grown, Doug has returned to the studio, pouring his heart into what he calls “positive country music.” With six number-one singles in recent years, he’s become a standout in the genre, known for lyrics that uplift and stories that connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

But it’s Doug’s commitment to using his platform for good that truly sets him apart. His song “How Many Days” isn’t just a melody—it’s a message of empathy, inspired by a real-life conversation that touched his heart and compelled him to act. Through this song, Doug is raising both awareness and funds for autism research and support, proving that music can be a powerful tool for change.

The Inspiration Behind “How Many Days”

The story of “How Many Days” begins with a simple yet profound question asked by a young boy with autism, the son of one of Doug’s friends. As Doug shared, “A friend of mine has a little boy who is autistic, and he is always asking his mother, how many days until my birthday, how many days until Christmas, how many days until this or that happens. He loves numbers.” One evening, as his mother tucked him into bed, the boy asked a question that stopped her in her tracks: “How many days until I go to Heaven?” This innocent yet deeply moving moment sparked a meaningful conversation between mother and son, which she later shared on social media. When Doug read her post, he knew instantly that he had to write a song.

The result was “How Many Days,” a soul-stirring single released in 2024 that captures the perspective of a child with autism. The song’s lyrics weave together the boy’s love for numbers with his curiosity about life’s big questions, offering listeners a glimpse into his unique way of seeing the world. Doug’s gentle vocals and the song’s Americana-infused country sound create an emotional resonance that invites listeners to reflect on the beauty and challenges of neurodiversity. The official music video, released in October 2024, further amplifies this message, with visuals that celebrate the perspective of an autistic child.

Making an Impact: Supporting Autism Awareness

What makes “How Many Days” even more special is its direct impact on the autism community. Doug and his team partnered with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) to ensure the song’s proceeds support meaningful causes. For the month of June 2024, all downloads of “How Many Days” from Doug’s website, www.dougmathismusic.com, went directly to VKC TRIAD, funding research, training, and services for autistic individuals and their families.

This commitment culminated in a special event, “An Acoustic Evening for Autism,” held on April 23, 2024, at The Troubadour Nashville. Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms and hosted by Devon O’Day, the benefit concert featured Doug alongside country music legends like T. Graham Brown, John Berry, and Darryl Worley. The event served as the official launch for “How Many Days,” honoring the boy who inspired the song and raising funds for VKC TRIAD’s vital work.

Doug’s efforts align perfectly with the 2025 Autism Acceptance Month theme, “Celebrate Differences,” which emphasizes the importance of embracing the unique strengths and perspectives of autistic individuals. By sharing this song and its story, Doug is fostering greater understanding and encouraging communities to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

The Power of a Single Song

Doug Mathis’ story reminds us that support for autism awareness doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, a single song—born from a moment of connection—can spark conversations, shift perspectives, and inspire action. “How Many Days” is more than a piece of music; it’s a bridge between the autism community and the wider world, inviting listeners to step into the shoes of a child who sees the world differently. For families with autistic loved ones, the song offers a sense of recognition and validation, reminding them that their experiences matter.

As Doug has said, music has the power to touch hearts and change lives. By dedicating “How Many Days” to autism awareness, he’s shown how even a small act of creativity can ripple outward, raising funds, spreading empathy, and building a more inclusive society. His work echoes the broader goals of Autism Acceptance Month, which seeks to move beyond awareness to true acceptance and support for autistic individuals.

Joining the Movement

As we close out Autism Acceptance Month 2025, Doug Mathis’ “How Many Days” serves as an inspiring call to action. Whether you’re streaming the song on Apple Music, watching the music video on PaperChaserDotCom, or sharing it with friends, you’re helping amplify a message of love and understanding. You can also get involved by supporting organizations like VKC TRIAD, participating in local autism-friendly events, or simply educating yourself about the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.

Doug’s journey shows us that everyone has a role to play in creating a world where differences are celebrated. So, as we bid farewell to April 2025, let’s carry this spirit forward—through music, through conversation, and through small, meaningful acts of support. To learn more about Doug Mathis and his music, visit

www.dougmathismusic.com, and keep an eye out for his upcoming performances, where he continues to spread positivity and hope through song.

Listen to “How Many Days” today, and let’s keep celebrating differences—not just in April, but every day.