Strategies for Parents and Caregivers to Support Autistic Individuals overcome their fear and anxiety related to haircut.

1. Gradual Exposure

Gradually introduce the individual to the haircut experience, starting with small steps such as:

a.) Visiting the Salon: Start by simply visiting the salon, without getting a haircut, to help the individual become familiar with the environment.

b.) Watching a Haircut: Watch a haircut from a distance, to help the individual become comfortable with the sight and sound of a haircut.

c.) Practicing with Play Hair: Practice haircutting with play hair or a doll, to help the individual become comfortable with the sensation of a haircut.

2. Communication and Preparation

Communicate with the individual about the haircut process, using visual aids and clear language to prepare them for the experience, including:

a.) Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help the individual understand the sequence of events involved in a haircut.

b.) Social Stories: Create social stories to help the individual understand and prepare for the haircut experience.

c.) Clear Communication: Communicate clearly and concisely with the individual about the haircut process.

3. Sensory Preparation

Prepare the individual for the sensory experiences involved in a haircut, including:

a.) Sound Desensitization: Help the individual become comfortable with the sound of scissors, clippers, and other haircutting tools.

b.) Touch and Tactile Preparation: Prepare the individual for the sensation of hair being cut, touched, or handled.

Visual Preparation: Prepare the individual for the sight of scissors, clippers, and other haircutting tools.

4. Support and Accommodation

Provide emotional support and accommodation during the haircut, including:

a.) Emotional Support: Provide emotional support and reassurance during the haircut.

b.) Comfort Objects: Allow the individual to bring a comfort object, such as a toy or blanket, to provide emotional support.

c.) Breaks and Time-Outs: Provide breaks and time-outs during the haircut to help the individual regulate their sensory experience.

5. Collaboration with the barber

Collaborate with the barber to ensure they understand the individual’s needs and can provide a supportive and accommodating environment, including:

a.) Communication: Communicate with the barber about the individual’s needs and preferences.

b.) Accommodation: Request accommodations, such as using a specific type of scissors or providing a comfort object.

c.) Support: Request support from the barber, such as providing emotional reassurance or helping to regulate the individual’s sensory experience.

Activities and Resources

Here are some activities and resources to help support autistic individuals with haircut anxiety:

Social Stories: Create social stories to help the individual understand and prepare for the haircut experience. Here are some available online. https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2018/10/free-social-stories-about-getting-a-haircut.html?m=1 source andnextcomesl.com

Source- The Autism Clinic at Hope

Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help the individual understand the sequence of events involved in a haircut.

Sensory Integration Activities: Engage the individual in sensory integration activities, such as deep pressure or swinging, to help regulate their sensory experience.

Haircut Simulation: Practice haircut simulations, such as using play hair or a doll, to help the individual become comfortable with the sensation of a haircut.

Online Resources: Utilize online resources, such as the Autism Society or the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, to access information and support for autistic individuals with haircut anxiety.

With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, autistic individuals can learn to manage their haircut anxiety and develop a more positive relationship with the haircut experience.

Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi Founder SpecialSaathi