Families With Autistic Children Get Special Visit

The Autism Association of Northeast Arkansas handled the event and said they want to give kids like Tierz’s son a chance to do something as simple as seeing Santa.

The program was set up to cater to families with children who have special needs and require experience in order to have photos taken with Santa Clause. Meanwhile, children and their families were able to visit Southdale’s ice skating rink, which will be open through January 3.

Sunday’s event was the sixth year for Caring Santa at the mall. “That thrilled me to hear him tell Santa what he wants for Christmas”.

She says her son does not talk which makes communication hard.

“It helps us out tremendously because everyday, its a struggle to try and figure out with Santa Claus or taking pictures or like the Miracle League”, she said.

Many children with autism are uncomfortable with the long lines and large crowds at shopping malls during the holidays, meaning that some have never had the pleasure at all.

Diane Mack, Bostwick’s mother, said the event had been in the works for some time.