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Child's play - dealing with autism in the salon
Date Added: 2009-06-12
Experienced State Registered Hairdresser, Caroline Seyedi, has a daughter with autism, meaning she is brilliantly qualified to advise other hairdressers on how to manage autistic children when it comes to them having a haircut.
For children with autism and their parents alike, a trip to the hairdresser can be incredibly difficult and stressful. Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way a person relates to and communicates with the world around them. People with autism may also experience over (or under) sensitivity to sounds, smells, touch and taste.
Difficulties understanding language, being touched, the feel of different textures, smells, fluorescent lighting, changes to their routine, coping with new environments or people, can make a having a haircut quite a challenge! But with a little knowledge and a few simple adjustments, it is possible to make a trip to the salon a pleasant experience for child, parent and hairdresser.
Before the haircut
I recommend you ask the parent of an autistic child to visit the salon before the haircut appointment, so you can work out how to make the visit a pleasant experience for everybody. A parent will be able to establish where’s best for the child to sit, if there’s anything in particular likely to upset them, so you know in advance and can make the appropriate adjustments.
Suggest the parent takes a photo of the stylist and the chair where the haircut will take place, so the child can familiarise themselves with the salon before the appointment. The parent will know what the child can cope with and what motivates them, so it is a good idea to have a talk with them prior to starting. That way you can help the child enjoy their experience and want to repeat it.
Book double the appointment time you would for any other child’s haircut, and try to book the appointment at a quiet time when there aren’t any strong smelling treatments are taking place.
If this sounds all too much, as an alternative to a salon appointment, you could consider the option of visiting a child’s school or home. Autism is a spectrum condition so it affects everyone differently and what works for one child, may not work for another.
During the haircut
It is very important to be patient and calm. Health and safety must be your top priority so it is always best for a second person the child is familiar with to help if possible. Distracting the child while you cut their hair can help enormously. A TV, games console, favourite toy or story can help focus their attention away from the haircut and help them sit in one place.
As long as it’s safe to do so, let the child touch any equipment and explain what you are going to do in simple language. Give the child their own mirror to hold and let them use the water spray or comb themselves if it makes them feel more comfortable.
Some children with autism may
find the sensation of combing or brushing unpleasant and therefore avoid having it done. Wet the hair (if possible) for a more precise cut and
to prevent dry, loose hair falling on the child, which may cause distress and become itchy.
Start by cutting the hair line first. The helper or parent can hold the child’s head if needed. Always hold down the ear and cut with the scissors firmly against the head. Don’t worry if you have to make a few attempts; just keep explaining your actions in simple language and reassuring the child.
Let them look in the mirror whenever they want to if that helps.
If you are using clippers, start with the guard on and run them over your hand to show they won’t hurt. Let the child do the same. Start in an inconspicuous place on the child’s head and do a trial to see if the child can cope.
Once the hairline is done, work as quickly and safely as possible. If the child and/or parent are getting stressed or anxious – don’t worry, it isn’t your fault. If the child becomes too distressed to finish the haircut, then stop and suggest you try to do more at another time, perhaps in a few days.
Something to think about
Demand for hairdressers who can cater for children with autism is huge and the same techniques can apply to other sensory and communication disabilities. Maybe think about adapting an area within your premises and promote your business as an ‘autism-friendly salon’? Or why not contact your local special needs school and ask if they would like a hairdresser to visit once a term? I’m pretty sure there is a lot of unclaimed business out there.
Info:
National Autistic Society Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 or email CarolineSeyedi.SRSH@gmail.com
