TIPS FOR VISITING SANTA WITH AUTISTIC CHILD

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The song says it, but do you really believe it? Christmas and the holiday season are a time of great stress. Schedules are messed up. There is more to get done. And your child senses all this. I often hear from parents that their children are especially ornery, have more melt-downs, experience sensory overload, and are thrown off their schedules during the holidays. So you think while you want to visit Santa, it just doesn’t seem possible this year. Maybe next year will be better. Can you even find a Sensory Friendly Santa in your area? 

Below I give you tips for visiting Santa. I want to encourage you not to wait as long as we did. Ten years ago, we did not have the same resources available to us, but now there are so many more malls, play areas, tree farms, and other places that will create a special event for you.

I want to emphasize that I made a lot of mistakes through the years, and so I am offering tips on what to to do to help with your visit to Santa.

Most of these tips are things you may have thought of at 2 AM while in bed. The next morning you are off and running, and have completely forgotten that idea you had (I have been done that so many times).

So here is a checklist of ideas for you to try to make the best Santa visit possible.

Tip #1 Find a Sensory Friendly Santa Event

What is a Sensory Santa Experience? Usually, these experiences are held before a mall, or retail location is open for the day (Sunday mornings). The typical locations are malls or shopping centers. They set aside special times for just special needs children. Additionally, many of them offer Keepsake photo packages for free or at a reduced cost. Our local mall offers a train ride, and crafts and activities for children with autism and their families in s sensory-friendly environment.

While most malls have loud music, bright lights, flashing lights, and lots of foot traffic, these sensory friendly events turn down the music and the lights for a calming environment. This is especially important for children with sensory processing disorder.

Maybe your local mall has a Sensory Friendly event, but maybe you have to go elsewhere. Check with your local autism organization or support group. Some potential places to visit might be:

• Christmas Tree Farm
• Local Book Store
• Community Centers
• Church
• Farm
• Aquarium
• Zoo
• Library
• Restaurants
• Flower/Gift Shops
• Toy Stores

If you cannot find a sensory-friendly Santa, check to see when your Santa arrives at your local mall. Our Santa arrives before Thanksgiving. To avoid long lines, we visit during non-peak times. The day we visited our mall, there was no line or crowds, and because of this, visiting Santa in a calm environment without loud noises was just what we needed.

The Autism Society of America (in your local area) may sponsor some events. Additionally, Autism Speaks sponsors events for those with autism spectrum disorder. 

Finally, you may find that your local mall labels their event differently than other areas. Look for Kindness Santa, Sensory Friendly Santa, Caring Santa, or Santa Cares Day.

2) Select Books or Videos that show a visit with Santa and talk about your upcoming trip to see Santa

Movies which show a visit to Santa may be helpful. (Elf is probably not a good choice. We don’t want anyone pulling on Santa’s beard to see if it is real!) Miracle on 34th Street shows a visit with Santa Claus. Or perhaps finding a YouTube Video from someone else’s visit.

Books that may be useful:

D.J. Bear Goes to Visit Santa (A book about autism)

The Berenstain Bears Visit Santa

Gwen and Gabby Visit Santa

Aaliyah P. Visits Santa

3) Visit the location beforehand if possible

If the Santa event is somewhere you have never been before, go for a little trip to check out the location before your visit. Even if you don’t take your child, it will help you know what to expect before the day of the visit.

4) Put it on the calendar

Every day my son asks, “what are we doing today?” He loves having events on his calendar and will count down the days until we see the next movie, or visit a relative. If something on the calendar is unknown to him, he will ask questions before the day arrives. This is his way to prepare himself.

5) Check in local Facebook Groups

For a first introduction to Santa, you may be able to bring a Santa to your event. Check in local Facebook groups to see if you can find a Santa who can come to you. You may also be able to find a local photographer who specializes in taking autistic children’s photos. 

My daughter (who has a very special bond with her brother) is a photographer and instantly connects with special needs kids. 

6) Call ahead and see if you can make an appointment

If you cannot find sensory-friendly Santa experiences, call the Santa events you can find and see if you can make an appointment or if they are willing to make accommodations for your situation. It doesn’t hurt to ask! Tell them your child’s individual needs and see if they can make a sensory-friendly Christmas wish for you.

One last Christmas Nightmare Story:

One year we did A Polar Express train ride. While I tried to find out as much as I could about it, I was new to this game and didn’t even know what to ask. My son was fine going to the “North Pole,” where we got off the train and walked around, but since he had watched the Polar Express movie, he was certain he was supposed to see The Big Guy at the North Pole because that is what happens in the movie. 

However, he had limited verbal abilities, and we had no clue what he was so upset about. On the train ride back, Santa did appear, and they passed out hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. This was another thing that was just wrong. In the movie, they have hot chocolate on the way to the North Pole. The entire train ride back was horrible for us and the people around us.

We did do the Polar Express the next year and it was better because he knew what to expect, but for years we didn’t try new experiences because of this bad one!

I hope you enjoyed these tips for your sensory-friendly Santa visit!

I would love to hear from you. Comment below. What works for you? How was your visit with Santa this year? Do you have any other tricks or tips to offer other parents?

CHECK OUT MY POST ABOUT A SPECIAL SANTA EVENT AT THE EASTWOOD MALL, NILES OHIO HERE!