Silent Santa visits help spread inclusive holiday cheer
Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance Sunday at Londonderry Mall to ensure children got a visit in a sensory-friendly environment.
Autism Edmonton and the mall partnered to host the holiday experience for children on the autism spectrum for the sixth year.
Loud music, bright lights, and long lines of people can present a challenging and stressful environment for children with autism.
Melinda Noyes, Autism Edmonton executive director, said the event featured fewer sensory triggers and smaller group sizes when meeting with Santa to give everyone a chance to visit him.
"Everybody deserves to have Santa in their Christmas if they choose to, and we can make that happen for kids on the spectrum," Noyes said. "Lots of little things add up to making it a pleasant experience for kids who are autistic."
Kingsway Mall and Mill Woods Town Centre will also be offering silent Santa visits this season.
Future visits and information on how to make an appointment with Santa and Mrs. Claus can be found at Autism Edmonton's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.