HEDGESVILLE – Many people take the Santa Claus visit for granted and go to the local mall to greet him as well as enjoy Christmas holidays.
However, there are few groups of children, who despite the joyous moments have difficulties in expressing and experiencing due to their social sensitivities and anxieties.
These children are diagnosed with autism and their needs to be addressed, as per Tracey Parks – Berkeley County Educator, whose child is diagnosed with autism.
Berkeley County school system, in an attempt to help autistic children and their families to have a wonderful Christmas, has arranged a sensory friendly Santa Claus. The children could meet and greet their favorite Santa on Saturday at Tomahawk Intermediate School.
The autistic children and their families have been extended the invitation and a registration sheet has been sent in this regards, so they register for the event.
The children can have a half an hour private play date with Santa. As many as 14 families from the Berkeley County area have signed up to participate.
Park says, as a Parent, the event is beneficial and could end up in having a greater impact on the future of the child.
“It gives kids with autism a chance to do what other kids do,” Parks said.
[su_quote]When you take a child with autism to events at the mall, you usually have to leave early because of the anxiety and fear the situation creates for the child. Sometimes, you can’t experience those typical moments most families experience. This event is bringing the same joyful moments to kids in our community with autism and special needs. It’s an overwhelming feeling.[/su_quote]The Santa also extend his supporting hand and expressed his willingness towards the event.
“I can’t even put into words what this event means to me,” he said. “I get choked up thinking about it. These kids are a special gift. They wanted to be loved just like everyone else, and they’ll love you back unconditionally.”
The Santa recollects, children at times feel shy when meeting him, their favorite character, for the first time.
“I try to reach them at their level, not mine,” he said. “I pay attention to what they’re interested in and adapt to their needs.”
Andrew Anderson and Cheyenne Kesecker, high school students and volunteers – have come forward to aid the event. The two students from Berkeley are passionate towards the needs of autistic children.
Kesecker added the opportunity to help the kids meet Santa was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Seeing their eyes light up and knowing they’ll always remember the experience makes it all worth it,” Kesecker said.
Anderson said, he enjoyed seeing the children smile – and their smile lights up the world.
Tracey Parks said she hopes the event to grow bigger down the line and end up becoming a community tradition and continue in Berkeley County for a long time.
Rachel Hull – Educator from Berkeley County, said Berkley County School is growing every year and the children communities are growing.
“The Eastern Panhandle area has one of the highest populations of students with autism in the state,” Hull said. “It’s just great to see the kids smiling and happy. I hope this event can reach more students next year as well.”
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
