Santa silence

SENSITIVE Santa returns to Dandenong Plaza this Christmas ensuring children with special needs don’t miss the opportunity to interact with Father Christmas.
Sensitive Santa offers chidren with sensory sensitivities such as autism and their families the opportunity to meet Santa in a gentle and safe environment, giving families the chance to capture special Christmas memories that may otherwise not have been possible.
Dandenong Plaza manager Mark Tannahill said management company GPT understood that the bustling and noisy environment of shopping centres, which is only heightened during the festive season, can be incredibly overwhelming for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families.
“We wanted to provide these families with an opportunity to meet Santa in a calm and controlled environment, alleviating the stress associated with being in a hyperactive environment,” Mr Tannahill said.
Amaze (former Autism Victoria) CEO Fiona Sharkie welcomed the partnership with Dandenong Plaza GPT.
“Amaze believes that every child has the right to participate in all community activity. “We thank GPT for sharing this vision by creating an ASD friendly Santa experience so children with ASD experience this bit of Christmas magic.
“It’s something that is equally memorable for their parents and carers.”
Sessions with Sensitive Santa are available before trade on select days.
Prior to each 15-minute appointment, parents will be required to fill out and return a questionnaire about their family so that Santa and his helpers are fully briefed on each child including triggers, interests and importantly what’s on their Christmas wish list.
Each family is presented with a free Santa photo valued at $15.
To make a booking phone 9767 2000.