Sensory Friendly Santa

Location:	Healthy Pet parking lot
Start Time:	Dec. 18, 2010 at 10 a.m.
End Time:	Dec. 18, 2010 at 5 p.m.
Price:	0

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“Sensitive Santa” Caters to Families with Autism

Eugene, OR, December 18th, 2010

A “Sensitive Santa”, catering to children with autism, will be available for photos from 12-5 pm at Great Mist Trees, a no-spray vendor housed at the Friendly Holiday Faire at the Healthy Pet parking lot at 28th and Friendly. “Sensitive Santa” will be quiet (no loud Ho Ho HO's), no unsolicited touching, and photographer is talented in catching candid moments with Santa if a posed picture isn't possible. During the private appointments (from 10-12), the tent walls will be down, and there will be no long line of shoppers. Cost for a photo is $5.

Owners Cyrus and Sunshine Parsons are parents of a child with autism and were determined to make a safe and enjoyable experience for other parents and their children. Considering approximately 1 in 100 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be difficult for families of children with autism to enjoy some of the holiday celebrations and traditions most people take for granted – including simple things like sitting on Santa’s lap in a busy shopping mall.

There will also be music, local crafts, handblown ornaments, hot cocoa, baked goddies, and face painting. So if you need a Christmas Tree, and want to have more fun than you ever thought possible shopping for one, head on down to Friendly and 28th in Eugene Saturday.

Ho Ho Ho. (quietly)