Award-winning autism advocate Dr. Kerry Magro releases an inspiring story highlighting the importance of inclusive holiday events for children with disabilities.
Hoboken, NJ – November 11, 2024 – This holiday season, Dr. Kerry Magro, a renowned autistic speaker, author, and advocate, is set to release his latest children’s book, Santa Goes the Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities, on November 25th. The book narrates the journey of Alex, a young autistic boy, who collaborates with Santa Claus to create a magical, sensory-friendly Christmas experience for children of all abilities. Children will gain insight into the challenges others may face and the ways they can help create a welcoming, acceptning environment for everyone. You can pre-order the book here.
Drawing inspiration from Dr. Magro’s personal experiences and his Autism & Sensory-Friendly Santa Events, initiated in 2014 in New Jersey, this heartfelt story embodies the true spirit of Christmas—spreading joy and inclusivity for all. Dr. Magro, who serves as the CEO & President of KFM Making A Difference, has dedicated his career to advocating for autism awareness and inclusion, delivering over 1,300 talks globally, including at TEDx and Google.
In the story, Alex teams up with Santa and his helpful elves—including characters like Alison the reindeer and elves Rita, Wendy, Bakula, and Dennis—to transform Santa’s workshop into a sensory-friendly haven. Together, they create unique accommodations, addressing the diverse needs of children with disabilities, from autism and cerebral palsy to visual impairments and epilepsy. Each page of Santa Goes the Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities beautifully illustrates how a community effort can make the holiday experience magical and comfortable for every child. This book would not have been possible without contributions by Alison Turok and illustrations by Tristan Tait.
Annual Sensory Santa Event on December 7 at Cornerstone Montclair
Dr. Magro and Corner Stone Montclair will host their annual Sensory Santa event on December 7, 2024, at Cornerstone Montclair from 10-4PM, located at 198 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ which you can sign your child up to attend here. Cornerstone Montclair, founded by Wendy Lacey, is dedicated to fostering a community where individuals of all abilities have opportunities for meaningful work, social engagement, and active lifestyles. The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair exemplifies this mission by employing people of all abilities and offering products made by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
“This book and our sensory-friendly events are for every child who has ever felt overwhelmed in spaces not built with them in mind. It’s about making sure every child feels the magic of Christmas,” says Dr. Magro. “Inclusion means everything to us, and our team is committed to bringing this mission to life every holiday season.”
About Dr. Kerry Magro, Ed.D., CAS
Dr. Kerry Magro, an award-winning autistic professional speaker, author, and autism consultant, has made profound impacts in the autism community. His nonprofit organization, KFM Making A Difference, supports individuals with autism through scholarship programs and inclusion events. Dr. Magro’s advocacy work has earned him recognition on national platforms, with his efforts featured on NBC’s Today Show, CBS News, and the New York Times. He holds a Doctorate in Education and frequently collaborates with schools and businesses to promote neurodiversity in various settings.
About Cornerstone Montclair and Wendy Lacey
Cornerstone Montclair, founded by Wendy Lacey, is a business with a vision of fostering a community in which people of all abilities have opportunities for meaningful work, social engagement, and active lifestyles. The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair is a place where this mission comes to life, employing individuals of all abilities and offering products made by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
About Alison Turok
Alison Turok, a 16-year-old award-winning writer from Jersey City, has been a dedicated volunteer for Dr. Magro’s Autism & Sensory-Friendly Santa Events since 2016. Alison’s talents extend into musical theater, figure skating, and environmental science, and she is passionate about accessibility and inclusivity for individuals of all abilities.
For media inquiries on the book or the Santa event, please contact Dr. Kerry Magro here.
To support KFM Making A Difference and learn more about Dr. Magro’s work, visit KFMMakingADifference.org
For speaking engagement inquiries, contact Dr. Kerry Magro at Kerrymagro.com/contact
