Meeting Santa on their own terms: Families enjoy sensory-friendly holiday event

ONTARIO — For many families a visit with Santa is a simple holiday tradition — a quick photo, a smile and a memory made.

For others, especially families of children with disabilities, the moment can feel out of reach.

Located at 2291 Village Park Court, SparkJoy ABA’s sensory-friendly Santa event, however, kept the magic of Christmas alive without the noise, pressure or overstimulating environment — and for parents like Mary and Kyle Pettit, it meant more than words could fully capture.

A Santa visit with sensory needs in mind

During the event each family was able to come into the room during twenty minute blocks.

The children were free to roam the room — playing with toys, opening their gift or talking to Santa on their own terms.

“This means everything to me,” Mary said.

She said watching her children — Boomer, Hopper and Pepper — experience Santa in a space designed just for them was special, and her family is deeply grateful for the care SparkJoy ABA has shown them.

Kyle explained in years past, typical Santa visits at malls or crowded venues were often too much for their son.

“He usually tries to be by himself and seclude during these situations,” Kyle said. “Today he just ran right up to Santa.”

The Pettits said opportunities like this are crucial for children with disabilities to enjoy the holidays in welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces.

“Here he is very safe and comfortable because of the way they have made it,” Kyle said.

Andrea and Anthony Johnston echoed the same sentiment as they watched their children, Leo and Grace, enjoy the experience. Andrea said the sensory-friendly environment helped alleviate the stress often caused by long lines, loud noises and crowded spaces.

“It gives her the comfort of experiencing the holidays and Santa without all the pressure of it,” Andrea said.

She added the appreciation her family has for events like this, allowing them to experience the holiday magic in a much more relaxed environment.

“We are very grateful they did this today,” she said.

By slowing the pace and reducing sensory triggers, SparkJoy ABA created an environment where children could engage with Santa on their own terms, allowing families to focus on the joy of the moment.

Creating inclusive experiences beyond the holidays

SparkJoy ABA Founder and Clinical Director Donnie Gallagher said witnessing families experience moments like these is one of the most rewarding parts of hosting the event.

“For many of us, it feels like a typical and expected part of the Christmas season,” Gallagher said. “So to be able to help those families experience the normalcy that other children get to experience for Christmas is really rewarding.”

Gallagher said the organization is open to working with more community partners to provide similar sensory-friendly experiences for children with disabilities.

“When we see them in a normal environment, they are often overstimulated and overwhelmed,” he said. “We just have to lead with patience and compassion.”

He added offering events like this is one way SparkJoy ABA gives back to the community.

Gallagher thanked Hedstrom of Ashland, for donating the toys/gifts. Along with their staff photographer, Kylie Messner, who took photos at the event.

Helping children thrive through tailored, evidence-based services

SparkJoy ABA is a locally based provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism and other developmental needs.

Founded by Gallagher, the organization recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Ontario and serves families with children from as young as 18 months up to 18 years old.

The organization provides evidence-based services including assessments, communication and social-skills training, adaptive-skills development, behavior consulting, feeding and potty-training supports and caregiver education — all tailored to each child’s individual needs.

The focus of SparkJoy ABA is on creating positive, supportive experiences where children can participate comfortably and joyfully, whether in therapy settings or community events like sensory-friendly holiday activities.

(Photos from the sensory friendly SparkJoy ABA Santa event. Credit: Hannah Martin)