For parents of children on the autism spectrum, the holiday season can be stressful.
Getting a family photo with Santa may be impossible; the line-ups in the shopping malls, the crowds, the lights and the loud music can make the experience a negative one for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
That’s where the Rotary Club of Innisfil comes in. For the past several years, they have hosted a ‘Quiet Santa” for families of children with ASD.
The lights are dimmed, there’s no loud music, and each family has an exclusive 10 to 15 minutes with Santa, to chat and then pose for a photo. It eliminates the differences between children with ASD, and their siblings, making those family photos possible.
“It reduces their anxiety,” explained ‘Elf’ Lyn Rutledge. “It’s really important – and they’re comfortable with Santa, because they come back year after year.”
Like the sister and brother, and their best friend, who come down from Orillia every year with their moms.
There were high-fives, laughter, and a hand-made card for Santa – “Look at the back! That’s Rudolph!” a little girl told him – and big smiles all around for the photograph.
“It makes Santa feel so good, you came all this way to see me,” Santa said, as he accepted the card. “It’s so wonderful to see you!”
Even if there are tears at first – after all, Santa, with his big white beard, can be a little scary to any kid meeting him for the first time – by the end of the visit, “they’re best friends,” Rutledge said. “They can be themselves.”
About 14 children registered for the 'Quiet Santa' event, held Tuesday afternoon in the community room at the Innisfil Town Hall. Santa talked with each child, handing out candy canes and a treat bag.
“We look forward to coming here every year,” said one mom, as the kids interacted delightedly with Santa.
“The kids rule here,” said Santa Claus. “Santa’s just along for the ride.”
The Rotary Club of Innisfil is an international service organization whose members are dedicated to supporting the community, through fundraisers and special events. The Rotary Trail at the Innisfil Recreation Complex, the new Rizzardo Health & Wellness Centre, the Innisfil Food Bank have all been recipients of Rotary fundraising efforts.
But it’s the Rotary Candyland train, providing rides and participating in local Santa Claus Parades, and Santa himself that bring a smile to kids’ faces at this time of year.
The Rotary Club of Innisfil meets Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. For more information, click here.
