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Santa Redefines the Typical Visit for a Boy With Special Needs
Meeing Santa Claus is a pretty exciting experience, but for kids with special needs, it can be a completely overwhelming.
Luckily, for 6-year-old James Epps, Santa was able to be overly accommodating, ditching his chair for Epps’ visit. Epps, who has autism, epilepsy, mild cerebral palsy, and a feeding disorder, took part in a “Santa’s Special Visit” at Restoration Community Church. The event allows kids with special needs to have their own one-on-one time with the man in red.
“I think people don’t realize how difficult something like that can be for some children,” Epps’ mother, Alison, told The Huffington Post. “I would love for people to be more aware and accepting and less judgmental when we try to participate in events in our community.”
She continued, “He gets very overwhelmed when there is too much activity, or when it is too loud. We have learned techniques over the years to help calm him, but they don’t always work. Many times we’ve had to leave events because he’s become overwhelmed and can’t calm or just completely shuts down.”
When Epps met Santa, his nerves kicked in and he only wanted to sit on the floor. Luckily for Epps, Santa got down on his level for a one-of-a-kind visit.
Alison Epps shared the special moment – captured free of charge by photographer Jennifer Arnwine – on her Facebook page and the photos quickly went viral.
The post was also shared by Love What Matters Facebook page, where it has been liked over 22,000 times. Check out the post below.
“James was so excited to meet Santa,” Alison Epps told the Huffington Post. “We talked about it a lot leading up to that day. I believe he remembers the event and it is a good memory for him.
Alison Epps hopes this photo will show that her son is more than just a diagnosis. She also hopes this act of kindness will make everyone smile this holiday season.
“He reads on a second grade level. He is learning to play the piano just by listening and can play about eight recognizable songs,” she said to the Huffington Post. “I also hope it helps people be aware that the child they see crawling on the floor or acting different in some way needs your kindness and understanding, not your judgment.”
Hopefully this type of event will become more popular, giving every child the chance to visit Santa.
“Without an event like this James would not have had the opportunity to meet Santa,” she said. “These little things help create childhood memories that won’t be forgotten.”