GRANDVILLE, Michigan -- When a child with autism recently spoke with Santa at a Michigan shopping mall, he told Santa he was worried his autism would land him on the naughty list. Sensing six-year-old Landon Johnson's apprehension and fear, the mall Santa proceeded with caution and then offered some valuable advice.
Landon's mother, Naomi Johnson, posted about the experience on Facebook:
Santa sat him next to him and took L's hands in his and started rubbing them, calming them down. Santa asked L if it bothered him, having Autism? L said yes, sometimes. Then Santa told him it shouldn't. It shouldn't bother him to be who he is. L told Santa that sometimes he gets in trouble at school and it's hard for people to understand that he has autism, and that he's not a naughty boy. Santa told L to not worry and that he has been a very good boy being who he is. They sat, and chatted for at least 5 mins. Santa payed close attention and listened to him. This just melts this momma's heart!
Johnson's story touched many people and has been shared more than 30,000 times on Facebook.
"There’s actually that magic still there," Johnson told WXMI. "That’s what everyone wants this year is that magic."
Here was Landon, sitting with Santa and being told that it was ok to be himself. Mommy tells him all the time that he's special and I love him the way he was made, but it's always nice to hear it from others. To be told that it's ok to be who he is. We have met a lot of amazing people in our Autism journey, but this one made the top of the list.
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