Traditionally, part of a child’s Christmas celebration includes going to the mall to visit Santa. It brings a little “magic” to the holiday, and gives parents a clue about what their child wants to get for Christmas this year. Kids who have sensory issues, or an autism spectrum disorder, might be more comfortable visiting with a “sensory friendly” Santa this year.
Visiting Santa at the mall can be a very exciting experience for small children. There is usually an area set aside where Santa will be waiting.
This area, and the space leading up to it, are often decorated with everything from Christmas lights to animated displays. Christmas music might be playing over speakers. There could be camera flashes going off, as children have their picture taken with Santa. There may be real Christmas trees, decorated with colorful lights and ornaments, giving the place holiday scent.
These are the types of situations that can push kids who have sensory issues into overload. Children who have a Sensory Integration Dysfunction disorder, or an Autism Spectrum Disorder, are likely to have great difficulty dealing with the sights, smells, sounds, and flashing lights they must experience before they can see Santa. For many kids, (with or without a special need), Santa can suddenly seem a bit scary when they finally meet him face to face.
This year, there are some places that have set up a more “sensory friendly” way for children to visit with Santa. There might be an event like this near you.
The Kenwood Towne Center, which is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, hosted an event with the ABC Pediatric Therapy Network. There were about eleven children, who had special needs, that were scheduled to visit with Santa.
The used fewer lights, and made sure there were a lot less people around. The music was turned off. There were sensory stations set up for children to play with while they waited to see Santa. Appointments were scheduled, and each child got to visit with Santa for ten minutes, (which gives the child time to “warm up” to Santa). Another event like this is planned for The Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Ohio, next week.
Price Portraits in South Charleston, West Virginia, will be offering “Sensitive Santa” portraits on December 4, 2011. This will be offered to children who have autism, or other special needs. Usually, this type of photo package would cost around $300, but it will be given for free that day.
The Oxford Valley Mall, in Middletown, Pennsylvania, is setting aside certain hours for kids with special needs to visit with Santa. On December 4, 2011, from 9:00 in the morning, until 11:00 in the morning, Santa will meet exclusively with kids who have physical, sensory, or developmental disabilities.
The mall has teamed up with AbilityPath.org. Camera flashes will be dimmed. Kids with autism will be able to engage in a “social story” to prepare them for an interaction with Santa.
Image by Matti Mattila on Flickr