A goodhearted Santa made headlines after giving an autistic boy some amazing advice during a Christmas photo session.
When 6-year-old Landon showed up to have his pictures taken with Santa Clause and to tell him what he wanted for Christmas, the boy’s list was like that of other kids’ his age.
“I wanted the Wii U Wii [game console], a toy dinosaur, and a remote-control car.”
After waiting in line for what seemed like hours, it was finally Landon’s turn to sit on Santa, and he excitedly told Mr. Clause what he hoped to get that year. After listing the items, he hopped down off the old man’s lap and started to walk away when suddenly, out of nowhere, he turned around and sprinted back. He had something he needed Santa to know.
Landon wanted Santa to know that he has autism, a condition that can make people think he is being naughty.
Marina Sarris, in an article published by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) says that there can be a stigma attached to autism. She explained, “Autism has some unique characteristics that have created an almost perfect storm for shame and rejection.” The fact that it is an invisible disability contributes to these attitudes. Essentially, autistic kids look just like everyone else which can cause people to mistake their symptoms for “naughty” or “bad” behavior. In 1993, Australian sociologist David E. Gray wrote, “It is this combination of pervasive disability and apparent physical normality that gives the stigma experienced by families with autistic children its unique quality.”
“He’s been told by other people before, ‘You don’t need to be so naughty’ or ‘Why are you being so naughty?'” Landon’s mother Naomi revealed in an interview with News 8.
Santa, however, was not fazed by Landon’s confession and eased the boy’s anxieties with the following few words: “It’s OK to be who you are.”
“You know I love you, and the reindeer love you, and it’s okay. You’re a good boy and, you know, life is good. We just have to take it together and always be together.”
Landon’s mother Naomi was touched by Santa’s kindness and shared the experience on Facebook where it was shared thousands of times. Santa told News 8 that he was touched by her post, saying, “It brought tears to my eyes. My heart melted. That [Landon] had such a wonderful experience.”
It’s so great that this Santa went above and beyond to remind a young boy that he is perfect just the way he is.
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