Sensitive Santa project gives children with autism time for a photo-op

During the most wonderfultime of the year, many parents and children brave long, loud and inconvenientlines to get their picture taken with Santa.

For children with autism, like seven-year-old Sarah Mercer, patiently waiting isn't an option.

"Coming here and seeing that line, it's impossible for us to be able to do it," her mom, Maria Afonso, said.

This year her daughter got a little help from Autism Smart Inc.

The group tested out a pilot project dubbedSensitive Santa.

Before the Avalon Mall in St. John's opened the past two Sundays, the man in the red suit took his seat and posed for pictures in scheduled one-on-one 15 minutesessions.

"We have a lot of children in Newfoundland and Labrador on the autism spectrum," Autism Smart Inc.'s Gwen Kearney said.

"Alot of those families can'tcome in and take advantage of getting their picture done with Santa same as everyone else. We just thought it would be a great idea, we thought would be special for our families."

Kearney said the initiativeturned out to be so popular she had to create a waiting list and will definitely be repeating the program next year.

During Sarah's photo shoot, Santa got off the couch tosit with heron the floor to try and get the perfect holiday shot.

Posing with her sister Grace, Sarah got the Christmas keepsake without any fuss or frustration.

"Being able to come in here and do this without having a line and have that extra bit of time with her," Afonso said.

"It just makes it so much easier and a much better experience."

You can watch the Sensitive Santa pilot project above.