Sensory Santa Helps People With Special Needs Celebrate Holiday Season

People with autism might prefer less stimulation but Santa Claus believes all of us share the same need to be seen, loved and cared for.

Sensory Santa gives people with autism the chance to interact with Santa in a calm setting: no loud noises, bright lights or large crowds. 

For the first time, Sensory Santa was brought to Treynor, Iowa at the Community Center. Karen Beck is the mother of 21-year-old River who has autism and ADHD. 

"He's 21 years old now, but he still likes Santa, he likes going to places where he can see Santa Claus," Beck said. "I didn't have to be embarrassed about taking him to see Santa Claus, where it's all little kids."