Sensitive Santas a kinder, gentler experience for special needs kids
Santas trained to respond to children with special needs are set to make a huge difference to families who don’t feel comfortable in the chaos that can come with annual festive photos.
NSW
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THE festive joy of the traditional Santa photo can now be experienced by thousands of families with special needs kids, who have avoided it in the past because of the stress it causes.
Santas in Westfields across the country have been trained in how best to connect with children who have particular sensory needs.
The Sensitive Santa program, which was created in consultation with Autism Spectrum Australia, will make a huge difference to many families who don’t feel comfortable in the chaos that often accompanies a photo with one of Santa’s helpers.
As well as Santas being trained in identifying and responding to children with special needs, there will also be tailored sessions with no crowds, subdued lighting and all background noise muted.
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Sandy and Richard Golder, whose eight-year-old daughter Imogen is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD and anxiety, were so traumatised by their experience last year they vowed to give up the tradition.
Despite booking and paying well in advance, the family had a lengthy wait and then came across impatient staff. “By the time we got to the front, Imogen was freaking out and they’re trying to hurry us in and she didn’t want to sit on the seat,” Mrs Golder said.
“I love Santa photos but my husband was like, ‘No it’s too stressful, we’re not doing it again’ but then I feel bad because she misses out.”
It was a crushing blow for a little girl who relishes the festive season and adores the big man in the red suit.
“Immy loves Christmas, she still watches last year’s Christmas carols,” Mrs Golder said. “For her not to be able to have that because of the environment is really difficult.”
When Imogen and her big brother Cooper, 10, had a special early catch-up with Santa this week at Bondi Junction, things were very different.
Santa was sound asleep when the youngsters approached him and Imogen was immediately drawn in and sat down. When he finally woke up he knew exactly how to talk with her and when to back off if needed. All three even got down on the floor together and there was no problem when Imogen hopped into Santa’s sack.
The Sensitive Santa program was born out of a customer request and was trialled last year in Canberra, where it was a huge success.
“The feedback has been overwhelming. Parents tell us their children have been able to meet Santa for the first time,” said Phil McAveety, Scentre Group director of customer experience.
Originally published as Sensitive Santas a kinder, gentler experience for special needs kids