‘Sensory-friendly’ Santa grotto helps children at NUI Galway

Santa Claus showed his sensitive side at NUI Galway (NUIG) at the weekend, when he met a number of children with autism and with other developmental issues.

Up to 20 families attended the event at NUIG’s school of psychology, where a “sensory-friendly” grotto had been created by a number of Santa’s elves.

The elves were assisted by postgraduate students in applied behaviour analysis, and the aim was to create an environment for children who find shopping centres and other venues overwhelming.

Lighting and music within the grotto encouraged children to meet Santa at their own pace.

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Dr Clodagh Murray of the school of psychology said it was the first time that an initiative like this had been organised, and it was hoped it would be replicated.

A visit to Santa Claus is “taken for granted” by many families, but can prove to be an ordeal for families when children with developmental issues, she said, unless there is a sufficiently calm environment.