Minor Breakthru

**TinCorAl** · 12-01-2002, 08:04 PM

In past years my 4 year old has always looked at me like I was stark raving mad when I tried to get him to sit with Santa. And I imagine to a kid (especially one with Autism) it is an odd message to put them on the lap of a complete stranger and expect them to be happy about it. Well this year we were at the mall and Santa was standing out near the entrance to where you go in to see him and so we stopped to say hi, and Cordel on his own reached out and grabbed Santa's hand!!!!! I was giddy. Maybe, just maybe by the time Christmas rolls around he will sit on his lap long enough to get a picture!!

Tina

**heaven** · 12-01-2002, 08:13 PM

Tina, I am so happy for you and for him! I remember those days. My son did the same thing until i finally gave up. but he did figure it out.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-01-2002, 09:30 PM

How neat, I love hearing this stories of break throughs that our kids make. Thanks so much for sharing it here with us.

**captclearance** · 12-01-2002, 09:34 PM

Good step !!!!! I hope he can enjoy Santa this year...... But you have to admit, he is pretty scarey !!!!!

**Mom23boys** · 12-01-2002, 10:14 PM

Kids are so amazing! I think they teach us more than we teach them.

I am glad to hear he approached Santa on his own choosing. Maybe he is working his way up to sitting on his lap and telling him what he wants.

**Sherryh** · 12-01-2002, 10:28 PM

Thats great, Tina!

**Sara Noel** · 12-01-2002, 10:35 PM

awwww Tina that is so great!
Last year we tried Santa at Santa House. NO GO.

(and you know that ridiculous line that winds around all of downtown Midland. LMAO
I think this year will be our big year too. (mall or Santa house) I'm crossing my fingers. I'd love a Zachary/Santa picture.

Sara

**SewCrafty** · 12-01-2002, 11:02 PM

Great news Tina!

**TinCorAl** · 12-02-2002, 12:32 AM

Sara-

Go to the mall, there has been no line any of the times that I have been there so far, the Santa House is CRAZY but it is sooo neat once you get inside. I bet that you are going to get that picture of Zach with Santa too!!!

Tina

**Darlene** · 12-02-2002, 09:24 AM

Hope you get that picture!
My kids (16&17)still walk a ways away from Santa & the Easter bunny in the mall, lol. Always were scared of them.

**Michelle** · 12-02-2002, 12:12 PM

Aww that's great news Tina! I hope you'll be able to get a picture with Santa this year.

**TheCottageRose** · 12-02-2002, 01:09 PM

I'm so glad Cordel extended his acceptance of Santa!

I love looking back at those pics with Santa before the kids understood the 'Santa' concept....the looks on their faces are priceless!

**Jerseygirl** · 12-02-2002, 09:02 PM

For us it works if he sees the character in videos--santa at Christmas, Easter bunny before Easter--it has helped Tyler have a grasp of what this is. Good for you, and remember, breakthroughs are never small!