ONTARIO – Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, children on the autism spectrum enjoyed a quiet moment with Santa Claus on Sunday morning with “Sensory Friendly Santa” at the Richland Mall.
The fourth annual event, sponsored by the Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon and the Richland Mall, allows children with autism to visit with Santa Claus in a sensory-friendly environment with lower lighting and quieter surroundings.
“A lot of our kids don’t like loud noises and some of them don’t like the lights, they can have meltdowns,” said Debbie Melching, founder of the Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon. “And if they do have a meltdown, we don’t care, because we’ve all been there.”
Particularly around the holidays, the Richland Mall can be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum with bright lights, holiday music and lots of crowds. Even a long line to see Santa Claus during regular mall hours can be overwhelming for autistic children, Melching said.
“We had one mom who said this event is the first time her son has gotten to see Santa this year,” she said.
With the “Sensory Friendly Santa,” autistic children have the opportunity to make a Christmas craft, enjoy breakfast and receive a free 5×7 photograph with Santa Claus. Jodi Scott, general manager of Richland Mall, explained holding the event while the mall is closed on Sunday morning is a lot less stressful on the children.
“It’s a chance for them to do the normal stuff with Santa, but at a time when it’s a little quieter and less lines and crowds,” Scott said. “The issue the kids have is with the crowds, so that’s why we like to do this before we open.”
The mall also provided free train rides in their holiday area for the children. Scott said she has enjoyed participating in the Sensory Santa event the past four years.
“I just enjoy watching the kids grow,” she said. “There was a little boy the first year that we could barely get into the mall, and watching him now as he runs to Santa is worth it for us.”
That little boy is seven-year-old Davis Chapman, who asked Santa Claus for a myriad of Star Wars, Spiderman and LEGO toys this year. Davis’ parents, Amanda and Jason Chapman, said they were proud of their son for actually sitting next to Santa for a picture this year.
“I used to hold him and be in the picture with him,” said Amanda Chapman. “Each year he’s progressively gotten closer to him. It’s amazing, and it lets you know that all your hard work is paying off.”
In the past four years, the Chapmans said the “Sensory Santa” event was the only time Davis would go near Santa Claus. As he’s gotten older, he’s gotten braver, with the help of the sensory-friendly environment.
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming when there’s a lot of people, and waiting in line can be difficult for children with autism,” Amanda Chapman explained. “And there’s not as much stress when there’s not as many people.”
Autistic children will have another opportunity to visit with sensory-friendly Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at “Dinner with Santa” on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Deer Ridge Golf Club. The dinner will feature a build-your-own pasta dinner, pictures with Santa delivered via email, gifts, crafts and story time. Reservations are required by calling 419-886-7090.
Melching will also host a merchandise sale on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at The Silver Lining Group, featuring t-shirts, keychains, magnets, bracelets and more. Parents expressed their appreciation for Melching organizing the Sensitive Santa events and more.
“We’re definitely grateful for Debbie, she does so much in the autism community,” Amanda Chapman said. “We don’t know what we would do without her.”
