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Navigating Haircuts for Autistic Children

Haircuts can be a challenging experience for many autistic children. The sensory overload from the sounds, smells, and physical sensations of a salon can make this necessary task overwhelming. As a parent, finding strategies to make haircuts more manageable and less stressful for your child is important. Here are some practical tips to help your child feel more comfortable and in control during haircuts:

1. Prepare Your Child in Advance


Visual Schedules: Create a visual schedule or social story outlining the steps of a haircut. Include pictures of the salon, the stylist, and the equipment used. This can help your child understand what to expect and feel more secure.

Role Play: Practice haircuts at home using a toy set or by pretending with dolls or stuffed animals. This can familiarize your child with the process and reduce anxiety.

Watch Videos: Find videos of children getting haircuts and watch them together. Pause and discuss each step to answer any questions your child may have.


2. Choose the Right Environment

Quiet Salon: Look for a salon that offers appointments during quiet hours or specializes in working with children with sensory sensitivities. Some salons may even offer at-home services.

Familiar Stylists: Try to use the same stylist consistently. Building a relationship with someone who understands your child's needs can make a significant difference.


3. Create a Sensory-Friendly Experience

Comfort Items: Bring comfort items like a favorite toy, blanket, or noise-canceling headphones to help your child feel more secure.

Use Distractions: Use a tablet with their favorite shows or music to distract and soothe your child during the haircut.

Adapt the Environment: Ask the stylist to make accommodations such as using quieter clippers, reducing the use of sprays, or taking breaks as needed.


4. Communicate and Collaborate

Explain Each Step: Ask the stylist to explain what they are doing throughout the process. This can help your child feel more in control and less surprised by sudden movements or sensations.

Involve Your Child: Allow your child to make choices about the haircut, such as picking a hairstyle or choosing the order of steps.


5. Gradual Exposure

Short Visits: Consider scheduling short visits to the salon to get your child accustomed to the environment without the pressure of a full haircut.

Incremental Haircuts: Start with small trims and gradually work up to a full haircut as your child becomes more comfortable with the process.


6. Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate Success: Praise and reward your child for their bravery and cooperation, even if the haircut isn't perfect. Positive reinforcement can help build a more positive association with haircuts over time.

Create a Reward System: Establish a reward system where your child earns small rewards for each step completed during the haircut.





7. Practice Patience and Flexibility

Stay Calm: Your child may pick up on your stress, so stay calm and patient. A relaxed demeanor can help reassure your child.

Be Flexible: If a haircut isn't going as planned, be prepared to stop and try again later. It's okay to take breaks or reschedule if necessary.


8. Seek Professional Support

Chat to your Practitioner: If haircuts remain challenging, consider consulting an ESDM Therapist for specialised support who can work with your child on sensory integration and coping strategies.


By taking these steps, you can help make haircuts a more positive and less stressful experience for your child. Remember, every child is different, so it may take time to find what works best for your family. With patience, preparation, and understanding, you can turn haircuts into a manageable and even enjoyable routine.

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