Children With Autism Get a Special Visit With Santa

PHILADELPHIA -WTXF - A group of local children with autism got to enjoy a special visit with Santa Claus Saturday, thanks to the Kinney Center For Autism Education and Support at St. Joseph's University.Jennifer Joyce reported from the event.

Many children with autism are uncomfortable with the long lines and large crowds at shopping malls during the holidays, meaning that some have never had the pleasure of meeting Santa Claus.

So the Kinney Center offered to give autism families a calm, sensory-friendly environment with Santa, in which more than 20 families got to spend 20 minutes each with St. Nick on Saturday. Mrs. Claus was on hand as well, as were autism support staff serving as elves.