Nathan Beavan is 14 but hasn't had his photo taken with Santa since he was a toddler. That's a lot of empty photo frames on the mantelpiece.

The noise, the lights and the wait have left his mother, Lisa, avoiding the experience with her son, who has moderate to severe autism. Until now.

Protective environment: Nathan Beavan, 14, enjoys a visit to Santa at Rouse Hill Town Centre. Credit:Wolter Peeters

A new initiative, Sensitive Santa, has been implemented at three shopping centres in NSW, Carlingford Court and Rouse Hill Town Centre in Sydney and Charlestown Square near Newcastle.

Children with autism and their parents can make an appointment and arrive at the shopping centre before opening hours to avoid the long queues, crowds and noise.