Silent Santa 2019 event | Courtesy of Connections Therapy Center’s Facebook Page
AMMON — Seeing Santa is a big part of many families’ December traditions, but not always for children with autism or other sensory issues.
For them, the environment is just not a relaxed one.
Connections Therapy Centers in Idaho Falls, however, has a plan to make a Santa event that will be comfortable and enjoyable for those kids, and they are calling it ‘Silent Santa’. The city of Ammon and East Idaho Credit Union are co-sponsoring the event.
“It’s an opportunity for kids that can’t have that typical Santa experience,” CTC spokeswoman Cala Alexander told EastIdahoNews.com. “They can visit Santa kind of on their own terms.”
This is the second year the sponsors have put this on. Last year was considered a resounding success.
“We have had moms so grateful for the opportunity because they haven’t been able to do something like that,” Alexander said.
This Santa works with the kids at their pace. He lets them come to him. Families will be scheduled to come every 15 minutes. Once they get inside, a ‘sensory path’ with toys like bubbles will help kids feel encouraged to walk up to Santa with their families.
Sheri Elkington, therapist with CTC, explains the impact events like these can have on children with sensory disorders.
“These children can’t filter out noises and other stimuli,” she explained. “During Silent Santa, we can control lights and noise … it allows the child with autism to meet Santa and parents can enjoy a little holiday activity that many of us take for granted.”
The event will be at the Ammon City Building on 2135 Ammon Road from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8.
Visits can only happen by appointment. To register for a slot, email Alexander at cala@connectionstherapies.com, and she will respond with available times.
The scheduling will also help control social distancing. Masks are required for the visiting families, staff, and both Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
“We just know there is a population that could really benefit from something like this,” Alexander said.
The post Silent Santa event allows comfortable Santa experience for kids with autism appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com
Silent Santa event allows comfortable Santa experience for kids with autism
More from BusinessMore posts in Business »
More from Feel GoodMore posts in Feel Good »
- Multiple companies help put together 700 hygiene kits in Blackfoot
- ‘I wasn’t going to be a statistic’: Teenager finds a home in ISU’s nursing programs
- Elks Lodge distributing free food boxes in Idaho Falls Saturday
- Local doctor works to reunite patient with her children after months-long separation
- BYU-Idaho student gives back to home country by building a school
More from Health & FitnessMore posts in Health & Fitness »
- Idaho leaders ask why the state’s vaccine allotment is low
- Elemental Taekwondo to kick things up a notch with standalone studio
- New baseball and softball gym in Ammon helps young athletes improve their skills
- UK abolishes ‘tampon tax’ on menstrual products
- ISU to implement mandatory COVID screening for on-campus spring learning
More from Idaho FallsMore posts in Idaho Falls »
- Hearing scheduled for man who exchanged gunfire with police during standoff
- Lanes reopen after motorcycle crash closes part of Sunnyside Road
- Man pleads guilty to hitting 1-week-old baby and causing a skull fracture
- Man going to prison for lewd conduct with 12-year-old
- Idaho Falls man sentenced to federal prison for enticing a 15-year-old
More from LocalMore posts in Local »
- Hearing scheduled for man who exchanged gunfire with police during standoff
- Lanes reopen after motorcycle crash closes part of Sunnyside Road
- Man pleads guilty to hitting 1-week-old baby and causing a skull fracture
- Spike strip used to stop Ford Thunderbird during high speed chase that ended by Rexburg
- WATCH: Mountain lion caught falling from tree after being tranquilized in Pocatello
More from Local BusinessMore posts in Local Business »
- Local game store invites community to join in winter fun
- Local high school students on a mission to collect 55,000 cans for needy families during 15th annual ‘Souper Bowl’
- Broulim’s takes another step toward a Victor store?
- Local credit union changing its name after nearly 70 years of business
- East Idaho Credit Union opens new branch in Pocatello
Be First to Comment