Children with autism given chance to skate with Santa

This weekendfamilies of children with autismwere invited to take part in some holiday cheer that one parent says is usually impossible.

Organized by the Autism Services of Saskatoon, families participated in a skate with Santa on Saturday afternoon.

Parent KirstinAitkenbrought her son Luke.

"Normally we don't get to attend public events if he has a meltdown or just can't handle it and this lets us participate in things for Christmas that normally we wouldn't be able to."

She said her son is usually nervous when skating, but Saturday was a good day to practice because they were surrounded by other families they know.

The director of family programs with AutismServices says they have hosted publicskates for the past three or four years.

"Alot of our families don't necessarily have opportunities to skate freely and participate in normal public settings, so this is kind of a nice chance to get everyone together and enjoy themselves for an hours," said Alex Scott.

On Sunday evening, families are invited to visit Sensitive Santa.

The event offers children on the spectrum a chance to visit Santa in a quieteratmosphere.