Malls across Canada are making special arrangements so that kids with autism can take part in a popular holiday tradition: taking a photo with Santa.While visiting Santa is a rite of passage for many Canadian kids, the location -- crowded, noisy malls -- can prove to be too overwhelming for kids with autism.
But this year, nine malls across the country owned by Oxford Properties are opening their doors earlier so those children can still get some face time with Mr. Claus.
Calgary's Southcentre Mall was the first shopping centre to adopt the autism-friendly photo sessions last year.
There is no federal monitoring system to track the prevalence of autism in Canada. However, the Society for Treatment of Autism estimates that one in 165 Canadian children are affected by Autism spectrum disorder.
In 2012, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that the prevalence rate of autism in the U.S. was one in 88 children.
Read more:
Canadian malls offer quieter, calmer visits with Santa for kids with autism | CTV News
Related article:
Malls Host Autism-Friendly Visits with Santa | News | Autism Speaks
If you can't get to the mall this year, the folks at Your Santa Story created an interactive video product designed to bring the magic of Santa to children. For every video sold using the “AS” Promo Code, $5 will be donated to Autism Speaks! Check it out here, www.yoursantastory.com/autismspeaks, and let us know what you think.
Watch CTV News Santa at malls video!
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