Special needs children visit Santa at Laurel Park Place

Surrounded by flag-studded poinsettias, Christmas trees and wrapped presents, Hunter Prater, 7, of Taylor, talks with Santa.

As mom, Julie, watches, Alex Sartor, 3, of Commerce Township, talks with Santa Claus. Alex has OMS, a life-threatening auto immune syndrome that affects one in 10 million children and mimics the symptoms of autism. He contracted it after fighting off cancer.

Santa visited with special needs children from nearly 70 families who lined up at the mall before it opened Sunday. Santa was heard whispering quietly to a nonverbal child, "Good to see you. Glad we got to visit," while asking others what they wanted for Christmas, and passing out paper elf hats and hugs to all.

Pam Carter holds a photo of her twin sons Austin, left, and Alexander, 11, with Santa Claus. Austin is autistic and nonverbal. They are from Plymouth.

Ghina Hamouch, Dearborn, gets her photo taken with sons Youssef Saad, 3, left, and Ibrahim Saad, 5, near a group of Christmas trees.

Autumn Lewis, 3, of Royal Oak, settles in on Santa's lap as she prepares to take a photo with her siblings.

Cherry Hill Photos Manager Candice Woods delicately jingles a stuffed dinosaur to elicit smiles from the children while taking their photos with Santa.

After meeting Santa, Autumn Lewis, 3, of Royal Oak, is all smiles with grandma T.J. Harlton, Farmington Hills.

Santa spreads a little joy with Luke Wolf, 14, of Ann Arbor.

Sporting an "Elfie Selfie" crown, Hunter Leads, 4, Redford Township, giggles after meeting Santa.

Hunter Prater, 7, of Taylor, gives Santa a hug.

Hugging was contagious at the mall Sunday morning, Amy Bumford nuzzles daughter Isabel, 3, of Livonia, as they wait to see Santa.

After asking Santa for a red bike for Christmas, Jaylen Hall, 11, Southfield, poses for a photo with St. Nick.

Christian Cser, Farmington Hills, tickles his son Nicholas, 8, who breaks into laughter.