For the Flocks family, seeing Santa Claus can be a memorable experience but for all the wrong reasons.
Like last year's visit.
"It was beautiful. It was really nice and everything but it was just too big, too loud,” says Thomas Flocks. “Too much going on and [my son] just wasn't going to do it.”
That is why the Autism Society of Nebraska hosted a quieter and more laid back session with Santa. In a portal connected to the North Pole in Country Side Village, a team of Santa helpers and elves are helping children with autism.
"We give them lots of wait time,” says Niki Kinart. “We have activities for them to do [and] snacks. No pressure. So, a lot of times they're scared or need that downtime to get used to Santa Claus.”
Unlike a traditional mall visit to see Santa, families wait their turn in a home-like setting with toys, movies and couches to lounge in.
And this Santa will do whatever he can to make children feel comfortable – even giving up his chair for a picture with the Flocks.
"This year, we actually have pictures of him, so it's a good thing,” says Thomas Flocks.
Compared to last year’s experience, the Flocks say they rate their first visit to sensory Santa a perfect 10.
To learn more about Autism Society of Nebraska, click here.
