Santa Claus and Autism

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Malls across the country are opening early this holiday season so children with autism can visit Santa in a calmer environment. In total, 582 shopping destinations across the U.S. and Canada are taking part in 747 Santa Cares events.

Two organizations — Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs — partnered for “Santa Cares,” an event that involves hundreds of malls in the U.S. and Canada opening early so the environment is less hectic when children with autism come to see Saint Nick.

In addition to the earlier than normal hours, the lights are dimmed and the music volume is lowered to help create a calm environment for children with autism, who often experience sensory issues. Sights, sounds, smells and tastes, among other stimuli, are often triggering.

Source: Kids with autism meet Santa in calmer environment after malls across US open early

That's awesome. My son is uncomfortable attending events like concerts, church and movies in theatres. It's nice to hear.

This is a relief. I was arfaid you were going to "diagnose" Santa Claus as another historical figure with autism.

Santa Claus DOES seem to exhibit a "special interest" in the manufacture of toys

By the time I was 8 or so, I really didn't believe in Santa Claus---but there was a residual belief "just in case."

My mother went to a lot of trouble to keep me from seeing more than one Santa. Do others claim that he gets around a lot?

I was placed in Santa's lap once. I received a strong static zap from him. It freaked me out.

I never had any interest in Santa.