Special Easter Bunny entertains kids with autism

EDINA, Minn. -- Children with special needs had a special opportunity to visit the Easter bunny.

Tricia Taylor enjoys taking festive family photos, but it can be a challenge, she told KSTP-TV.

"Everybody is so patient with the kids, and it's wonderful," she said.

She says The "Caring Bunny" experience is the perfect setting for her oldest daughter Gracie, 7, who has autism.

"Now that she's getting bigger, it's harder to get her interested for a long time," Taylor said.

Gracie and her siblings took pictures with the Caring Bunny, and so did 60 other families in a more subdued environment at Southdale Center in Edina, Minn.

"It's nice to know that we can come and do this without the stress and waiting in line for the regular mall bunny," Taylor said.

Sarah Dorrian says it's a unique opportunity only for children who have special needs.

"Music is off. All of the really loud, bright things are off. We also have some great treats," Dorrian said.

Lisa Sieben of the Autism Society of Minnesota says one in 68 children are on the autism spectrum.

"Something like this is absolutely amazing for a family because we don't get this opportunity very often. So it's really important," she said.

The same center also offers a Caring Santa experience in December.