December 24, 2022
By: Bill Conger
Instead of Ho! Ho! Ho! it’s more like No! No! No! That’s the case for some parents who want their children to enjoy a visit with Santa Claus but are hampered by their sensory issues. Kids Express Therapy in Smithville, which offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy, hosted a sensory-sensitive Santa event Saturday (Dec. 10) at their offices at 612 South Congress Boulevard.
“A sensory-sensitive Santa event is geared toward children with special needs, who may have a difficult time attending similar events that other children enjoy,” says Kids Express Owner/Manager Alyssa Conger, SLP-CCC. “Things like loud noises, long lines, and excessive visual stimulation can trigger meltdowns in children who cannot process sensory information the same way we do. Our event is by appointment only, which eliminates long lines, and reduces over-stimulating noises and sights. We will also be providing devices for communication in the event that children have difficulty telling Santa what they want.”
“Many children are afraid of Santa at first, and that is not unusual, but for the kiddos with sensory issues, the entire process may be problematic before they even see the big guy in red,” Conger adds. “Bright lights in a shopping mall, the smell of foods in the food court, lines and crowds of people wearing brightly colored clothes and too much perfume; children crying or pressing into their personal space, etc. can be powerfully overwhelming to them.”
Chad and Brooke Mathis brought their children to see St. Nick. In the past greeting the jolly old elf has been a real struggle but not this time.
“Usually, we have to stand in line and usually there’s a big crowd,” says Brooke Mathis. “With Hudson having Autism he’s usually screaming and having a meltdown. But here he got to do one-on-one with him (Santa) and warm up to Santa. He enjoyed it. I think he felt more comfortable here.”
“We love our kids in the community who need extra support, and we love the families here,” Conger said. “We believe that Christmas magic is for everyone, and we want all children to have opportunities to enjoy these activities.”