Saskatchewan

Children with autism given chance to skate with Santa

Autistic Services of Saskatoon has organized a weekend of events for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Kids can also visit Santa in a quieter setting

One parent says they usually don't attend public events in case their son has a meltdown. (Radio-Canada)

This weekend families of children with autism were invited to take part in some holiday cheer that one parent says is usually impossible. 

Organized by the Autism Services of Saskatoon, families participated in a skate with Santa on Saturday afternoon. 

Parent Kirstin Aitken brought her son Luke. 

"Normally we don't get to attend public events if he has a meltdown or just can't handle it and this lets us participate in things for Christmas that normally we wouldn't be able to."

She said her son is usually nervous when skating, but Saturday was a good day to practice because they were surrounded by other families they know.

An organizer says the skate is a good chance for families to take part in recreation programming. (Radio-Canada)

The director of family programs with Autism Services says they have hosted public skates for the past three or four years. 

"A lot of our families don't necessarily have opportunities to skate freely and participate in normal public settings, so this is kind of a nice chance to get everyone together and enjoy themselves for an hours," said Alex Scott. 

On Sunday evening, families are invited to visit Sensitive Santa. 

The event offers children on the spectrum a chance to visit Santa in a quieter atmosphere.