Santa’s special visit

DR RADICA MAHASE

“MY family loves Christmas! I have three kids and every year they cannot wait to put up the Christmas tree and to help me bake. For us, it is the one time of the year when we are all busy doing things together. And every year my younger kids beg me to take them to the mall and I don’t because then my older son will feel left out and I feel bad to leave him at home.”

Haniffa is the mother of six-year-old twin-girls and Zain, a ten-year-old boy who was diagnosed with autism. As much as Zain loves Christmas, unfortunately he misses out on many aspects of the holiday season because he becomes very agitated in noisy, crowed spaces. Because of this, the family has to stay away from shopping malls and large gatherings, etc. Haniffa and her husband feel very guilty if Zain cannot join them in any activity so they tend to just do things that he can do, which often results in the twins missing out. That’s why Haniffa was very happy to learn that Santa would be visiting with special needs kids at C3 Centre, four days before Christmas.

“When we saw the flyer on social media for Santa’s Special Visit, my husband and I were so happy. Zain had never been to the mall during Christmas time. We usually come very early in the New Year before the decorations are taken down so he can see them. But we have not been able to come to meet Santa. There is always too much traffic, too much noise and crowds. Twice we tried to bring him but had to leave within minutes of entering the mall, as he became overwhelmed. That’s why we were so happy with this event. Finally we could bring all our kids. We got a really nice family picture. It’s a memory that we will treasure.”

To some, Santa’s Special Visit might seem like just another Christmas gimmick. However, for many families with individuals with special needs it represents one more opportunity for their children, one more event that they can take their children to. The whole idea is to make the holiday season a time for everyone, special needs and all. Support Autism T&T in collaboration with C3 Centre created this event especially for those with special needs so that they would not be left out this Christmas. Santa and his elves (who understand those with special needs) were present in the mall before the crowds and the noise become too overbearing. Children with any types of special needs were invited to visit C3 Centre to meet and take photos with Santa in an environment that is understanding and supportive of their needs.

In the wider context, Santa’s Special Visit represents the creation of opportunities for a marginalised and mostly neglected group in our society. It is about ensuring that each child, whatever his/her abilities, have access to equal opportunities. Too often children with special needs are overlooked in TT.

Generally, as a society, we do not take into consideration that not all children have the same likes/dislikes, needs, abilities, etc. As a country we have a certain idea of what it means to celebrate holidays and we are proud of our "liming culture." Sadly, that liming culture usually translates into noise and crowds. Consequently, events and functions, both public and private tend to be unfriendly and unaccommodating towards those who do not like noise and crowds and lights.

Santa’s Special Visit was an attempt to put the focus on those children who are not necessarily fans of this liming culture. It was the first time such an event was organised in TT and while C3 took the lead in organising Santa’s Special Visit, it is our hope that other shopping malls will follow, not just for Christmas but also for other occasions. If more events of this nature are organised in public spaces then those with special needs will have more opportunities, more visibility and chances at more fulfilling lives.

Unquestionably Zain and his family deserve the chance to visit public spaces and have a wonderful family experience. Family bonds are strengthened when the entire family can participate in activities and events and while Christmas is the ideal time to make this happen, let us continue to create more opportunities for all those with special needs in our country.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Dr Radica Mahase is founder/director, Support Autism T&T