For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Rinaldo, Touchstone Behavioral Health
Office: (602) 732-4967
Sensitive Santa Makes the Holidays Bright for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Program Begins Its Fourth Holiday Season This Saturday
PHOENIX, Ariz. – November 18, 2014 – Holidays are a time of bright colors, festive music and wonderful aromas. While these things bring up great thoughts and pleasant memories in the minds of most, for children on the autism spectrum, they can be unsettling. Sensitive Santa, an annual program provided by Touchstone Behavioral Health, provides an opportunity for children to take part in this holiday tradition in an environment that is comfortable for them. The program kicks off its fourth year this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Touchstone’s Mesa facility, located at 2150 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 35/36.
One of the great joys of the holidays is taking the children to see Santa Claus. This holiday tradition generally involves taking the kids to a nearby mall where there are a lot of people, noise and activity.
“When you have a child who is on the autism spectrum, settings like the mall can be difficult,” said Elizabeth Rinaldo, Family Centered Autism Program Supervisor at Touchstone Behavioral Health. “Loud noises, bright lights and unfamiliar smells can create anxiety and stress for the child. Sensitive Santa gives children (and their families) a great experience in a comfortable and stress-free setting.”
Sensitive Santa is designed for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. A Sensitive Santa visit is held outside in natural light with no lines to wait in, crowds to maneuver through, loud sounds or potent smells to endure. In addition, staff is on hand who understands their particular needs. Each child will receive a toy and a picture of their time with Santa.
“In addition to the visit with Santa, children can watch Christmas movies, make crafts and eat Christmas cookies,” said Rinaldo. “Sensitive Santa is one of our most popular events with our families.”
There will be two additional Sensitive Santa events this year, Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both December events will be held at Touchstone’s main facility, located at 15648 N. 35th Avenue.
Sensitive Santa is free and open to the community. To learn more about Sensitive Santa, or to make a donation, please call Elizabeth Rinaldo or Traci Brown at (602) 732-4967.
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About Touchstone Behavioral Health:
Touchstone Behavioral Health partners with youth and their families to provide evidence-based services and support to help them acquire the skills to live productive and responsible lives. A member of the Southwest Network, Touchstone serves approximately 2,800 children annually from its four locations: the Timothy Dunst Treatment Center and Ginsberg Clinic, both in Phoenix; the Mesa Clinic; and the Prevention and Intervention Services facility in Glendale. Touchstone also provides services in Tucson and Mohave County. For more about Touchstone’s programs and services, visit touchstonebh.org.
The Sensitive Santa program was featured on Channel 12 Saturday, Nov. 22. View the video here.
