Murrieta Hosts 'Sensory Santa' For Neurodivergent Children

MURRIETA, CA — Children with special needs in Murrieta were just given a rare opportunity to visit Santa in a quiet and calm setting, away from crowds and jingle bells.

On Dec. 3, Sensory Santa paid a visit to the Murrieta Youth Center, where neurodivergent children with adaptive needs were invited to enjoy photos with Santa, hot cocoa and crafts.

The unique opportunity was tailored to those with neurodivergence, which is defined as a variation in cognitive functioning that includes conditions like autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

Neurodivergence is often characterized by diverse ways of thinking, learning and processing information. Sometimes, those who are described as neurodivergent are sensitive to bright lights, loud or sudden noises, and overwhelming sensory environments, which can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or overstimulation.

Murrieta's Sensory Santa event aimed to avoid such stressors last week. Instead, attendees were able to visit with a softly spoken Santa, without loud holiday music, boisterous ho-ho-hos and jingle noises.

The event was organized by Murrieta's Community Services Department. To find out where Santa will be next, check out the city's Santa Tracker.