For the Reporter
The Outlet Collection | Seattle presents Sensitive Santa®, a program designed to allow children with sensory processing disorders to visit Santa in a safe and calm environment.
The event at the Auburn mall is Sunday.
The Sensitive Santa program was created to allow families of children affected by autism to enjoy some of the holiday celebrations and traditions most people take for granted, including visiting Santa at the mall.
Because autism affects the nervous system, individuals on the autism spectrum are often very sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds and large crowds. The Sensitive Santa event is held on a Sunday morning prior to the mall’s opening, with reduced lighting and noise, and families are staggered at 15-minute intervals to keep the crowd size limited.
For the event, the Santa area will become “sensory friendly,” and in partnership with Worldwide Photography, The Outlet Collection will provide each family that attends a free 4-by-6 photo keepsake to commemorate the holiday season.
“We wanted to create an event that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season and brings a small, but memorable, part of the holiday season to families with autism,” said Chantelle Herburger, marketing director. “Sensitive Santa will allow these children to experience the same enjoyment with Santa, but in a much calmer, less intimidating environment.”
Families interested in bringing their children to the Sensitive Santa event can email Herburger at cherburger@glimcher.com to register.
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