For Holly Kasparian, taking her son to see Santa Claus before Christmas each year usually resulted in disaster.

Ms. Kasparian, 39, of Toledo, said her son, Nikolas, was diagnosed with autism at age 4, and the long lines, large crowds, and noise turned what was supposed to be a fun family experience each year into a nightmare.

That all changed a few years ago when she heard about the “Soothing Santa” event hosted at the Franklin Park Mall in Toledo.

“They are the reason I finally got my adorable picture of my son with Santa instead of paying every year for a picture of him crying,” said Ms. Kasparian, whose son is now 7 years old.

The mall and Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism are providing children with autism a chance to visit Santa Claus before the Christmas holiday in a special setting.

Before the mall opens from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 4, Santa Claus will set aside time so children with special needs can tell him what they want for Christmas.

Casey Pogan, marketing director for the Franklin Park Mall, said this is the second year the mall has hosted the event under the name Soothing Santa. The mall’s lights will be dimmed, the radio will be turned off, and there will be light foot traffic to provide a welcoming feeling for children with autism and other special needs.

“It’s a way to eliminate stress for them,” Ms. Pogan said. She said the normally busy, bustling mall might not be the friendliest environment for autistic children. “This enables them to have an opportunity to see Santa and give a wishlist to the guy in a red suit without the terror involved in a busy environment.”

While the mall will be closed during the event, the Disney store will open early for shoppers, and activities such as foam crafts and rice digs, which involves searching for toys in a tub of rice, will be set up for the kids.

Catina Harding, executive director of the Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism, said the event could be the first time many autistic children and their families have ever visited or taken pictures with Santa Claus.

“It’s an amazing experience because most of them would not have an opportunity to do it,” Ms. Harding said. “The families are so appreciative and thankful, and it’s really one of the most special times around the holidays.”

Jane Nagle, a special education teacher at Sylvania Schools, has volunteered at the event for several years.

“I’ve seen tears and hugs,” Ms. Nagle said. “People have a tendency to judge families with special needs and this is a place where they can just be themselves.”

Those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance at 419-473-3317 to avoid the stress of waiting in a long line. Registration is free. Parking will be available in the lot between Macy’s and bd’s Mongolian Grill, and visitors can enter the mall through the doors next to Charming Charlie.

The Franklin Park Mall will host another Soothing Santa event 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 11. Visitors to the Mall of Monroe in Michigan also can request a special visit with Santa Claus by calling 734-242-9150.

Contact Geoff Burns at: gburns@theblade.com or 419-724-6110.

First Published November 27, 2016, 5:00 a.m.