i read this uplifting story about a mother and son's experience with a particularly unique Santa at a Michigan mall and wanted to share:
"My child is amazing! He has his quirks and drives me bonkers, but he is amazing! The other day he went to see Santa with the cousins. He said his peace to the old man in red and walked 
away. While aunt Brittany waited for pictures to print, my son went back to Santa because he decided that he wanted to tell him that he has Autism. He was flapping his hands, all excited to let Santa know."
"Santa sat him next to him and took my son's hands in his and started rubbing them, calming him down. Santa asked my son if it bothered him, having Autism. My son said yes, sometimes. Then Santa told him it shouldn't. It shouldn't bother him to be who he is."
"My son told Santa that sometimes he gets in trouble at school and it's hard for people to understand that he has autism, and that he's not a naughty boy. Santa told him not to worry and that he has been a very good boy being who he is. They sat, and chatted for at least 5 minutes. Santa payed close attention and listened to him. This just melts this momma's heart!"
"My child is a great advocate for himself. But this day was different. He opened up to this person about who he was, and he was ACCEPTED. He wasn't a science experiment, like he's often treated when people find out he autistic. He was my son, sitting with Santa and being told that it was ok to be himself. Mommy tells him all the time that he's special and I love him the way he was made, but it's always nice to hear it from others. To be told that it's ok to be who he is."
We have met a lot of amazing people and hear many terrific stories, but this one made the top of the list. If you happen by the Rivertown Mall in Michigan, tell Santa that he's the MAN!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM EVERYONE AT CONNECTIONS ACHIEVEMENT AND THERAPY. ENJOY YOUR TIME TOGETHER WITH FAMILY!