Families With Autistic Children Get Special Visit With Santa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Families with autistic children got special visits with Santa Claus on Saturday on the campus of Saint Joseph's University.
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support offered a sensory-friendly environment for families to see Santa, without the mall hustle and bustle.
"They can plan on a specific time, rather than having to wait in line, so they can prepare their child and it's a private room, so it's not a long line at the mall," said Nicole Doyle, with the Kinney Center. "The sensory sounds that may be aversive aren't distracting the child, so echoes with the high ceilings at the mall or large crowds."
Michelle and Jared O'Shea's son, Michael, has been coming to the Kinney Center for two-and-a-half years.
"For us, as parents, Michael gets a place for him, which is nice," Michelle said.
"Yeah, it creates a norm," said Michael.
About 20 families took part in this year's event.
