Welcome to the hairdresser where there is no such thing as a haircut
A lot of children on the Autistic spectrum have issues with having their hair cut and the word cut in its self can cunjour up all sorts of scary things ,so instead I use phrases like " making your hair smaller .or " getting your hair done"They can be highly sensitive to noise and light and even smells , . in hair salons this can be a big issue. .On the whole they dont like to wear gown and the techniques allow for this as the hair is not falling on the child during the cutting proccess .Anxiety can affect both the mind and the body, and produce a range of symptoms. The psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety are closely linked and so can lead to a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.So the haircut /brushing experience CAN be a traumatic experience for all involved ,if this is the case for you then read on for some tips I encourage when visiting a salon or having it done in your home.
The spectrum is varied there are no clear cut solutions but these tips have proved successful in my work with Autistic and aspergers children
Depending where your child is on the spectrum all these tips might not be useful so if your child is in a panic mode as soon as you enter the salon, just keep very calm, remember you have called and explained so no one is judging you
Call the salon and explain your childs need requirements ,speak to the actual stylist (get the name) who will be doing the hair and give as much information as possible ,mention all of the below and if possible email the information so they are clear how to manage the visit ..
Ask for an appointment on a day they are not too busy. ask if they have a quiet area or seperate room
If possible give a description of how much you want cut off email a before and dowload a photo of what is desired ,so you do not have to talk to much on the visit ..
Ask the stylist to do the fringe ,around the ears and lengh first and leave the layering till last,this way if it is not possible to finish the cut at least the most important bits are done .
Tell the stylist not to try and engage with your child too much and to keep her tone low and mono when talking to you and your child
Ask the stylist if it is possible to do most of the cut at the same level as you child ,on a cutting stool?.
Ask the stylist to keep her movement as limited as possible whilst cutting .
Mention now if you do not want a gown ,blowdryer,clippers used.
If water spray is used ask the stylist to let you do this .
You can have your child prepared by wetting it yourself at home just before you leave
Play with your childs hair at every oportunity ,to de sensitise them from the feeling of hair moving .
take an extra t-shirt or shirt.
Avoid loose necked clothes to limit hair falling down their back whilst bieng cut.
bring a favorite toy,book, or anything that helps stay calm .
dowload pictures of the salon and make your own flash cards to pe- emp the visit ..
If possible pay before the visit to limit the time spent in the salon when the cut is finished
If your child understands tell them where they are going.
You can show them pictures of hairsalons ,not too far in advance (at your descretion) and say the name of the stylist you are visiting today.
Tell your child if appropriate .,they are having their hair done or hair made smaller (the word cut can be scary).
Make sure they are not tired ,hungry,before the visit.
Loose necked t-shirts,hoodies and jumpers are a no no,so a button up loose shirt or round high necked t-shirt is good .
Bring a spare change of top
Take their favorite toy,book,etc
Use flash cards if this works in other situations you could print off pics from the salon website and make some..
Depending where your child is on the spectrum all of the above might not be usefull so if your child is in a panic mode as soon as you enter the salon, just keep very calm, remember you have called and explained so no one is judging you
.When you arrive
Ask for the stylist by name ,
Take your childs coat off with as little narration as possible
Pay now
If you anticipate that your child is going to dislike it from the get go, then just get straight to doing the hair with them on your knee or standing between you legs
.
A lot of children on the Autistic spectrum have issues with having their hair cut and the word cut in its self can cunjour up all sorts of scary things ,so instead I use phrases like " making your hair smaller .or " getting your hair done"They can be highly sensitive to noise and light and even smells , . in hair salons this can be a big issue. .On the whole they dont like to wear gown and the techniques allow for this as the hair is not falling on the child during the cutting proccess .Anxiety can affect both the mind and the body, and produce a range of symptoms. The psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety are closely linked and so can lead to a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.So the haircut /brushing experience CAN be a traumatic experience for all involved ,if this is the case for you then read on for some tips I encourage when visiting a salon or having it done in your home.
The spectrum is varied there are no clear cut solutions but these tips have proved successful in my work with Autistic and aspergers children
Depending where your child is on the spectrum all these tips might not be useful so if your child is in a panic mode as soon as you enter the salon, just keep very calm, remember you have called and explained so no one is judging you
Call the salon and explain your childs need requirements ,speak to the actual stylist (get the name) who will be doing the hair and give as much information as possible ,mention all of the below and if possible email the information so they are clear how to manage the visit ..
Ask for an appointment on a day they are not too busy. ask if they have a quiet area or seperate room
If possible give a description of how much you want cut off email a before and dowload a photo of what is desired ,so you do not have to talk to much on the visit ..
Ask the stylist to do the fringe ,around the ears and lengh first and leave the layering till last,this way if it is not possible to finish the cut at least the most important bits are done .
Tell the stylist not to try and engage with your child too much and to keep her tone low and mono when talking to you and your child
Ask the stylist if it is possible to do most of the cut at the same level as you child ,on a cutting stool?.
Ask the stylist to keep her movement as limited as possible whilst cutting .
Mention now if you do not want a gown ,blowdryer,clippers used.
If water spray is used ask the stylist to let you do this .
You can have your child prepared by wetting it yourself at home just before you leave
Play with your childs hair at every oportunity ,to de sensitise them from the feeling of hair moving .
take an extra t-shirt or shirt.
Avoid loose necked clothes to limit hair falling down their back whilst bieng cut.
bring a favorite toy,book, or anything that helps stay calm .
dowload pictures of the salon and make your own flash cards to pe- emp the visit ..
If possible pay before the visit to limit the time spent in the salon when the cut is finished
If your child understands tell them where they are going.
You can show them pictures of hairsalons ,not too far in advance (at your descretion) and say the name of the stylist you are visiting today.
Tell your child if appropriate .,they are having their hair done or hair made smaller (the word cut can be scary).
Make sure they are not tired ,hungry,before the visit.
Loose necked t-shirts,hoodies and jumpers are a no no,so a button up loose shirt or round high necked t-shirt is good .
Bring a spare change of top
Take their favorite toy,book,etc
Use flash cards if this works in other situations you could print off pics from the salon website and make some..
Depending where your child is on the spectrum all of the above might not be usefull so if your child is in a panic mode as soon as you enter the salon, just keep very calm, remember you have called and explained so no one is judging you
.When you arrive
Ask for the stylist by name ,
Take your childs coat off with as little narration as possible
Pay now
If you anticipate that your child is going to dislike it from the get go, then just get straight to doing the hair with them on your knee or standing between you legs
.