As a working Santa Claus with almost forty years of experience, I’ve made many home visits and worked at parties and in grottos. I have observed that a child with autism is often much happier with a home visit than going to a grotto or mall.
Sometimes, seeing Santa in these situations can be more of a torment than a treat for some children.
Here are some benefits I see in-home visits for children with autism.
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Let’s Party: Celebrating without the Stress
1. You control the environment
When Santa Claus visits you at home, you get to control the environment. This means that you can make it as comfortable and predictable as possible.
You might choose a quiet time of day when there are fewer distractions or have the visit take place in your child’s room or a playroom. They can have their favorite toys or their pet ready to show Santa.
2. Reduced sensory overload
Many children with autism are sensitive to noise, light, smell, and touch. Having Santa visit at home can help to reduce sensory overload as you control the lighting, noise levels, and the number of people present.
The smells will be the familiar ones of home rather than new smells at the grotto or mall.
3. A personalized experience
With a home visit, you can tailor the experience to your child’s particular needs and interests. Santa Claus can bring a special toy or book or read a story that your child loves.
They can tell each other silly jokes or work together on an activity your little one enjoys, such as coloring or playing music. You can even discuss with your child beforehand what to do during the visit so that it does not come as a surprise.
4. Less time pressure
In a grotto or mall, a child will often have to wait in line for a long time to get just a minute or two with Santa Claus. A home visit usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but it can be longer or shorter to suit your child’s needs.
Santa can spend as much time as your child needs at your home, or you can even terminate the visit if it seems too distressing for your little one.
5. Less stress for you
Getting ready to go out for a specific time slot at a grotto can be a real headache for families of a child with autism.
Waiting in line can also be very stressful at the grotto, or even worse, at the mall, especially when many other excited children are also waiting. It can cause your child real distress, and this can also cause stress for the grown-ups.
With a home visit, if your little one has a meltdown on meeting Santa, it’s all in the family, and no one judges them.
Where to find a Santa for your autistic child?
An online search of “Find Santa doing home visits near [postcode]” will bring up individuals and agencies offering this service. Check any videos and testimonials that they have on their websites.
Three of the main agencies in the UK are:
In the US and Canada, an online search along the lines of “Find Santa doing home visits near [zipcode]” will bring up individuals and agencies offering this service. Check videos and testimonials on their websites.
In addition, many American performers who portray Santa Claus both advertise and look for jobs on a site called Gigsalad. So, it may be worth checking who is on there or posting a job request and using a search engine.
Is there an alternative?
An alternative would be for a group of families or an association to work with a grotto or mall to arrange a session specially designed for children with special needs. This can create a friendlier environment for children with autism and other needs, with fewer challenges and triggers.
The organizers should arrange for fewer lights (dimmed if possible), much less noise (quieter music, a softly spoken Santa), and more time for the children to get comfortable with Santa. They should also avoid trying to take a formal photo.
This may not be quite as satisfying as a home visit, but it would be much less stressful than a normal grotto or mall Santa experience.
FAQs
Q: How do you tell an autistic child about Santa?
A: When explaining Santa to an autistic child, focus on clear, literal language and simple details to avoid confusion. You might frame Santa as a fun character that brings gifts, adjusting the story to fit their level of understanding and comfort with imagination.
Q: How do you celebrate Christmas with an autistic child?
A: Celebrate Christmas with an autistic child by creating a flexible, predictable schedule and minimizing sensory triggers like loud noises or bright lights. Tailor activities to their interests and allow for breaks to keep the experience positive and manageable.
Q: Do autistic people struggle with Christmas?
A: Many autistic people may struggle with Christmas due to the changes in routine, sensory overload, and social expectations the holiday often brings. Adapting traditions and creating calm spaces can help ease stress and make the holiday more enjoyable.
Q: What is the best Christmas gift for autistic kids?
A: The best Christmas gifts for autistic kids are items that cater to their interests and sensory preferences, such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, or interactive puzzles. Gifts that support their unique needs and provide comfort or engagement are often well-received.
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