- February 6, 2025
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Easter hadn't arrived yet, but for one group of children, the Easter Bunny was making an exception.
On the morning of Sunday, March 18, families headed to the Volusia Mall before any stores had opened to take part in a sensory-friendly Easter, complete with snacks, coloring, toys and, of course, photos with the Easter Bunny. The two-hour "Bunny Cares" event was a way for children with every spectrum of special needs to visit with the Easter Bunny, in an environment free of loud noises, crowds and bright lights.
Stores and mall walkers are also notified of the event to limit potential sensory triggers for children. Even the craft and giveaway items, such as Play-Doh, kush balls and bubbles, were specially picked to make sure they were sensory-friendly.
"For children, or adults, with sensory issues, coming to the mall or any crowded location can be difficult because of potential triggers," Kristina Circelli, Volusia Mall marketing director, said. "This means they often don’t get to experience things other kids can do, like visits with Santa or the Easter Bunny, or just enjoy trips out with their family."
Bunny Cares, a partnership between Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks, was a first-time Easter event for the mall. Last year, the mall held its first sensory-friendly Santa Cares in December. Circelli explained that last year one little girl had never been able to visit with Santa before, and the event allowed her to enjoy a peaceful, quiet environment, color and craft with her mom, and visit with Santa.
Stephanie Schmit, who has two children on the spectrum, had driven down from Ormond Beach to be at the event. The family had also been to the Christmas event last year.
Alison Duncan had brought her daughter, Quinn Duncan, who has Down syndrome. Duncan explained that the event was a way for her daughter to go to an event but not get overwhelmed due to the calmer atmosphere.
"We like to come to events like that because there's not a lot of people," Duncan said. "It's quiet, they take their time and really kind of work with the kids. It's really nice to have these more personal interactions."
Rebecca Brinkman and her husband Robert Brinkman were at this month's event with their two sons, Paxton and Teagan, who is being tested for autism.
"He's very sensitive to everything, loud noises, everything like that," Rebecca said. "This works out really well because he doesn't have to wait in line. It's so much easier. We don't get out often because of the sensory issues."
Michelle Rutkowski and her husband Dan Rutkowski were with their daughter Caylyn who had just turned seven. Because it can be difficult for Caylyn to be in a place where there are loud noises or bright lights, she hasn't been able to see the Easter Bunny since she was two years old.
But now, thanks to the new event, she was finally able to have that opportunity again.
"She does better in environments where it's one-on-one or it's quiet and not a lot of crowds," Michelle said. "When we heard about this one we thought, that's perfect. We're glad they did something like this."
