MADISON – Some Christmas activities can certainly be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. A visit to see Santa can be one of those. That’s why Madison Behavior Therapy is hosting their annual Sensory Inclusive Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Village of Providence Meeting House.

In partnership with KultureCity, Madison Behavior Therapy will provide a quiet and inclusive environment for those with sensory sensitivities, to visit with Santa. Tickets are free, however families must register for a specific time slot.

“For children with special needs and their families, going to visit Santa at the mall can be completely overwhelming,” said Erin Robinette with Madison Behavior Therapy. “That’s why we have created an environment where these families can enjoy a special meeting with Santa that they will never forget.”

Each family registers for a “free ticket” to visit Santa, which reserves the family five minutes in the “living room” with Santa. During the visit, only the family, Santa, a registered behavior technician, and a professional photographer are present in the living room.

“This allows the child and his/her family to have a special experience with Santa without becoming overwhelmed by sensory stimuli,” Robinette said.

When the family reserves their ticket, they are reserving a specific time to see Santa, which keeps them from having to wait for a long period of time, until it is their turn. In addition to receiving special time with Santa, each child in the family will receive a free gift from Santa and professional family photos. Siblings receive gifts too.

“Many families that have children with special needs do not have professional family photos because it is too overwhelming for their child to complete a photo session,” Robinette said. “Our professional photographer will capture these moments with Santa, and each family will have access to their private gallery of images.”

This is the fourth year Madison Behavior Therapy has hosted the Sensory Santa, which has been made possible by the generosity of the following community partners: Madison Behavior Therapy, The Village of Providence HOA, Kelsi Loren Photography, Innerspace Brewing Company and Torch Technologies.

To reserve a ticket, find Madison Behavior Therapy on facebook or email Lindsay@kulturecity,org.