Parents of kids who have Sensory Integration Dysfunction disorder, or an Autism Spectrum Disorder, might want to find a “Sensory Friendly” Santa that their child can visit this year. For some reason, a lot of these events are scheduled for December 4, 2011. Here are a few more places to find a Santa that your child can visit without being overwhelmed.
I’m not sure exactly when the “Sensory Friendly” Santa events started. This year, I have noticed that there are plenty of them, in locations scattered all around the country. I do not know why so many of these events have been scheduled for the same day, but that seems to be the case.
In general, a “Sensory Friendly” Santa event is one that takes into account the needs of kids who have difficulty with processing sensory information. The event takes place at times, and in locations, where there will not be a crowd of people. The flash from cameras used to take portraits might be dimmed. The music will be turned down, or turned completely off. There is extra time given for each special needs child to “warm up” to Santa.
Perhaps one of these “Sensory Friendly” Santa event will be located near you:
The Tulsa Promenade Mall, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will have a “Sensitive Santa” event on Sunday, December 4, 2011, from 8:00 in the morning until 11:00 in the morning. This will be the shopping center’s second annual “Sensitive Santa” event. The Autism Center will provide arts and crafts for children to work on. The mall will offer a free 4” x 6” photo with Santa.
WestShore Plaza, located in Tampa, Florida, will hold a “Sensitive Santa” holiday photo event on December 4, 2011, starting at 8:00 in the morning, and ending at 10:00 in the morning. This event is for children who have autism. Lights and music will be turned down, and the mall will close the area to shoppers, in order to limit distractions.
Twelve Oaks Mall, located in Novi, Michigan, will have a special needs Santa event on December 4, 2011. This event is hosted by the My Great Kid advocacy group. The event will start at 9:00 in the morning, and will end at 10:30 in the morning. It is open to all families of special needs children, (and their siblings). This event is free.
The Rancho Community Church, located in Temecula, California, will hold an event where children and adults with special needs are invited to have their photo taken with Santa. The event will be held on December 3, 2011.
If your children are age ten or younger, then you need to call and reserve a time between 9:00 in the morning, and noon. Families with kids who are age eleven or older can reserve times from 12:30 in the afternoon until 2:30 in the afternoon. This event costs $20.00, (which includes the cost of five edited photos of a family with Santa.) The photos will be shipped on a disc to the family.
Image by Kevin H. Feeley on Flickr