Girl with autism asks for cards from all 50 states

MODESTO, CA - A special needs girl in Modesto, California did not want toys for her 5th birthday.

She just wanted to expand her knowledge of the United States.

Everyone kid gets a birthday wish... But not every kid wishes for this.

"She asked for birthday cards that's what she wanted for her birthday."

Virginia Parent turned 5 last week and didn't ask for just any birthday card, she asked for cards from all 50 states.

Her mom took Virginia's wish to social media... And America responded.

Dozens of strangers from across the country mailed cards to their Modesto home.

More than 60 birthday cards... And they're still coming.

"It's very overwhelming. Gratitude, I'm so thankful, so grateful for everybody," Danielle Parent, Virginia's mother said.

Virginia is on the autism spectrum but her mom Danielle says she's just like any other kid. She sings frozen with her sister.

She's a bundle of energy and loves her tablet.

But her passion for learning about different states makes her unique.

"We've talked about states she plays games on her tablets about states," Parent said.

The birthday girl now has little pieces of the country spread across her wall, from Alaska to Hawaii to New York.

With the exception of just a few states, Virginia's birthday wish has come true.

"It just became bigger than we thought it was just awesome."

This little girl isn't just popular across the country she also got cards from Canada and even Europe.

Because April is Autism Awareness Month, mom Danielle says she hopes Virginia's wish will help others be more accepting of children with special needs.

"Children may have autism but it doesn't have them they're normal children who might need a little extra help or extra consideration," Parent said.