Buffalo Grove clinic gives kids a stress-free visit with Santa

In2Great!, a locally owned therapy clinic for special needs kids, held its annual Donuts with Santa event, providing a sensory-friendly alternative to traditional holiday events.

The free event featured costumed holiday favorites such as The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Santa to allow neurodiverse kids and families the opportunity to participate in special holiday traditions that may be too overwhelming out in the community.

The children and families were able to create a wishlist for Santa, take pictures and share doughnuts in a sensory-friendly, welcoming environment.

"We want to meet these kids where they are, and accept them for who they are and what they can and can't do. We all have our strengths and weaknesses; we just want to honor their strengths and let them do what other kids get to do over the holidays," said Katie, an occupation therapist at In2Great!

"We can't take our son to the mall or get pictures with Santa. It's just too overwhelming, and he gets upset and falls apart. Here, we can let him be himself and we get to share the experience with him. They understand my son here," said Judy, parent of a child with autism and a client of In2Great!

The event took place Sunday, Dec 18, at the clinic's main location, 333 W. Dundee Ave., Buffalo Grove.

In2Great! is a family-owned provider of services for kids with special needs. In2Great! provides occupational, speech, language and physical therapies. They have social workers and ABA providers, as well as a Therapeutic School Readiness Program (Ready, Set, Grow) at the Buffalo Grove locations.

For information, contact Angie Harisiadis at (847) 777-8995.

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