20 December, 2013
A Star News Group Publication
Santa of smiles By NARELLE COULTER “HENRY couldn’t care less about having a photo with Santa, but I do,” smiled Janine Irwin as she watched her autistic son pose for photographs with Sensitive Santa at Dandenong Plaza. The Irwins are among the more than 18 families of autistic children who have enjoyed the simple Christmas ritual of a photo with Santa thanks to Dandenong Plaza’s Sensitive Santa initiative. Taking the energetic 11-year-old to a shopping centre full of people, noise and bright lights to meet Santa would normally be impossible for Janine and Henry’s father, Warren. “It is seven or eight years since Henry last saw Santa. It is normally just too scary. The lines are too long and we just can’t queue up,” said Janine. “But this is a comforting way to go about it,” added Warren. Sensitive Santa was the brainchild of Highpoint general manager Scott Crellin. “As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I know how hard it is to create moments like this. By providing a calm environment, time for kids to adjust to their surrounds and build a level of trust, we hope to give participating families the opportunity to take home a beautiful photo with Santa. A memory and experience they may never have thought possible.” Sensitive Santa and other Santa set staff underwent special training. Photography sessions were organised before the centre opened to avoid unnecessary hustle and bustle. Prior to each 20-minute appointment, parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their family so that Santa and his helpers were fully briefed on each child - including triggers, interests and, importantly, what’s on their Christmas wish list. “There are an enormous number of children out there with difficulties like Henry’s,” Warren said. “This is definitely a step forward. It’s a great intitiave.”
Henry Irwin with Santa at Dandenong Plaza. Picture: ROB CAREW 111948
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