FSJ man tailors Christmas experience for autistic kids and adults

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — “A good feeling in your heart and a little tear afterward.” 

This is what motivated a Fort St. John local to dress up as Santa every year and curate a special experience for autistic kids.

Dennis Hetman has for the past few years donned his Santa suit to help autistic kids, adults and their families enjoy the Christmas tradition of taking pictures with Santa. 

Talking about how he started this initiative, Hetman told Energeticcity.ca: “I heard about a program back east where they helped with children on the spectrum and adults and it sounded really cool.

“So I thought we could incorporate it and make it more kind of open to everyone.” 

Hetman, who had been working with Sonya Wilson from Imagine That! in Totem Mall approached her to see if he could have permission for his initiative.

“She talked to the mall and they gave us permission to have it on a Sunday before the mall opened, so that could give us the quietness we needed and it just took off from there,” he said. 

Talking about why it is important to have a quiet space, he shared: “Children and adults on the spectrum get overwhelmed with crowds and loud music. 

“If you ever see children on the spectrum around loud noises, they tend to shelter, cover themselves with their hoodies or coats and kind of stay back.” 

Hetman shared that some children come back every year with their families.

“I’ve received nothing but positive praise from all the families [about] how much the children enjoyed it and look forward to it for the next year.” 

However this season, bad weather caused many cancellations leading to only two kids showing up to take pictures. 

“The motive in that was just the feel good part of it, knowing that you did something for a child to help them enjoy Christmas and it didn’t cost them anything and you got a really good feeling in your heart and maybe a little tear afterwards,” Hetman said. 

Hetman shared how kids and adults on the spectrum need to do things at their own speed. 

Hetman explained appointments are scheduled to give each child half an hour to spend with Santa. 

“Talk in a low voice, don’t make any sudden movements and sooner or later, they come up just to see you and I offer them a high five because all children love to give a high five to Santa.

“Then they come in and we start talking and I never asked them to sit on my lap. I let them make the judgment themselves. It’s whatever they’re comfortable with.”

Each child that visits Santa gets a little goodie bag. 

Additionally, this year, Hetman dressed as Santa raised over $1,585 in donations while taking pictures with pets. 

He explained the donation will be split 50-50 between On Our Way Home Animal Rescue Society and the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA). 

From cats to dogs to snakes and hedgehogs, Hetman has taken pictures with all kinds of pets.

“They’re like children. They’re a little nervous at first. I have had a couple that refused to come to Santa,” Hetman said.

“I’ve had all kinds of animals fall asleep in my arms or on my lap, it’s pretty interesting.” 

Hetman has a few more visits he has planned for the year.