NAVIGATION

May Institute Hosts "Sensitive Santa" Event

12/16/19


Over the past two weekends, more than 50 local children with autism and sensory processing challenges got a special visit with a Sensitive Santa at Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough, Mass. Each child visited, had a photo with Santa, and participated in sensory-friendly activities. 
 
Families of children with sensory processing disorders typically never have the opportunity to experience one of childhood’s favorite traditions so the event is extra special. This is the fifth year Bass Pro Shops has hosted the event at its popular Santa’s Wonderland experience.

“There are many environmental factors that can negatively impact the way a child with autism experiences his or her visit with Santa,” says Ali Schroeder, M.S., BCBA, LABA, Assistant Clinical Director at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph. 
 
“Events like this one remove those barriers – such as lowering the lights and reducing the sounds, eliminating the crowds and wait times, preparing a child in advance, and creating a nurturing environment with a Santa who is sensitized to the needs of these children. This creates ‘firsts’ for so many children and families.”
 
May Institute is dedicated to providing life-changing care to children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Its more than 140 service locations include five special education schools, home and school-based consultation services, and adult residential and day programs.  

 

 

  • 41 Pacella Park Drive
  • Randolph, MA 02368
  • USA
  • Phone 800.778.7601
  • TTY 781.440.0461

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May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Terese Brennan - Compliance Officer, at 1-888-664-9870 or Compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.

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