A Silent Santa session which allowed the children to take pictures with Santa was conducted at Londonderry Mall. Not waiting in a long line, lights were dimmer than usual, and there was no music, so the children with autism will be comfortable with the environment.
Andre Hamilton who has a child with autism once said that the Silent Santa program is an excellent experience for kids with autism and it is a refreshing change of what the usual experience they had wherein they would be waiting for hours, and there were so many people according to Global News.
Hamilton also said that he was happy and thankful that the society recognizes how widespread autism is in their society and now they're making a great change to make their lives a bit easier according to NJTV News.
Lauren Rollet, a manager of the Autism Edmonton support services, said that it implies the community is starting to notice that their awareness and acceptance were starting to perceive into the community.
The man behind Old Saint Nick, who is also known as Santa Claus, enjoyed it for the first time hoping they had the same opportunity to do such heart-whelming event years ago. He has done different incidents in the mall for the past years, but this was the first time he participated in a Silent Santa program.
He said that to gain the trust of these children, you have to spend more time with them, be close to them personally and let them know you first. He also said that you have to are aware of their dos and don'ts; others like to be touch, others don't.
Many people have been overwhelmed by the conducted program including the marketing coordinator of the Londonderry Mall, Vanessa Julio.
The event shows the growing understanding of people to the challenges faced by those living with autism and making then feel that they belong.
This program, the Silent Santa Session, will be conducted every Sunday. The second session will be on December 4 from 10 am to 11 am and the third session will be on December 11 on the same time set.