Meeting Santa is an annual tradition for many young kids, but not for all. For children like Brayden Deely of Charlotte, North Carolina, who has autism, it can be terrifying and very stressful.
So last week, Brayden was invited to come to the mall for a special meet-and-greet with Santa that was arranged by Autism Speaks and gave kids the opportunity to spend time with St. Nick without the loud noise, long lines and flashing cameras to upset them.
Not only that, Santa made Brayden feel even more comfortable by getting down on the floor for a quiet play session with him.
Erin said, "He got down on his stomach and just started playing with him. They didn’t even talk to each other, really; they just bonded and played, and Brayden started to be really excited and started looking at him and smiling."
In the end, Brayden and his parents left the mall with Christmas pictures they've never before been able to get.