With a little more than three weeks until Christmas, the rush is on to get everything done in time. That includes a visit with Santa. However, for families dealing with autism, that simple trip to the mall can be such a hassle, it’s not worth going. That’s why Champion Autism Network and the Coastal Grand Mall teamed up Sunday morning before the mall was even open. 

“A lot of times when you go to see Santa at the mall,” says Becky Large of Champion Autism Network, “it’s loud, it’s crowded, there’s lines, and you have to wait. Our population isn’t good with any of those.”

For two hours Sunday morning Santa, his helpers, and area families that have a family member on the autism spectrum, met at the Coastal Grand Mall, in a comforting environment before public hours. 

“When our children or people with autism become overwhelmed or over stimulated they have a tendency to have a tantrum or meltdown,” says Large. “And when that happens, you’re met with criticism and judgment whether you can’t control your child, you’re a horrible parent, and so a lot of times our families opt to stay home because it happens so often. So having events like this, everybody understands, the people who are staffed here at these events understand, the other families that are there understand, so there really is no criticism or judgment, and it just is better for everybody.”

For a family of four dealing with autism, the lights, sounds, and chaos that comes with a visit to the mall can be one thing, during the holidays it’s elevated, and then to wait in line for Santa…

“So we have a child who has autism, he’s three. And being able to go out into the community and do things with him is very challenging with his needs,” says Alexis Moser, an area mother with a son with autism. “He gets frustrated very easily, he has self injurious behaviors, and he has meltdowns. So being able to do things with him, just as a family as a whole makes it easier for us to go places.” 

Champion Autism Network, or CAN, hosts several autism friendly events year round. Sunday, December 16th they’ll be having their Christmas party at the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, registration is required. A list of their events is posted on their Facebook page.