Preparing Your Child for Santa

Santa-America, an organization that provides volunteer Santas to visit children with special needs in homes, hospitals or hospices, has put together a very useful video to prepare children with autism to meet Santa Claus.

The video, which you can view on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YGLYeOorJM), shows Santa describing each of the elements that make him different from other people. He describes his beard, his glasses, his hat, bells, gloves, etc., as well as the events that surround Santa (like waiting in line and taking pictures). The video finishes with an example of a boy visiting with Santa, so your child will know exactly what to expect and how to behave.

For more winter holiday prep tips, visit the IRCA's article on Making the Most of the Holidays for Your Family and Your Son/Daughter on the Autism Spectrum.