Tips for helping my daughter with autism allow someone to cut her hair?

Question

She will be 3 next month and has never had a haircut except for her bangs which I cut myself when she lets me. The thing is, she has extremely long hair for a child her age and it gets in her face and drives her crazy. I would really like to take her to a professional to get it cut but I am concerned that this will not go well because she does not like people (other than myself) touching her excessively and especially hates to have her hair messed with. Any ideas?

Answer 1

There are special hair salons for children.

These salons have cars as seats, or small plasma screen in front of the seats to let the children concentrate on watching cartoons instead.

If there are no such salons around your area, you could help to cut your child's hair yourself, as she is still quite little and short/neat hair is more important that styling hairs.

Or , if all else fails, you could check with your child's special educational teachers. I'm sure they could provide some tips and solutions!

Answer 2

Be with her when she is having a haircut by a professional experienced hairstylist who trimmed hair for more than 20 years.

Call the salon and let them know that you have a daughter with autism. They will understand. But also note, your daughter is a 3 year old. So she may a bit young for a haircut.

Answer 3

go to yellow balloon! kids who are scared go there. they distract your child with toys

Answer 4

i think all these people have good tips.

good luck!

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Answer 5

I found this article and thought it may be extremely helpful to you and your daughter.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

It might be easier for you to cut her hair yourself, maybe. My mother has been cutting my hair for the past eight years, and can even layer it. There are lots of books etc that teach how to cut hair, maybe that would work for you? good luck

Answer 7

I am definitely no expert on autism, but I have heard that they can not handle change very well and don't react well to strangers.  If you want to take your daughter to a professional, you should probably get your daughter to get to know the person a little bit better.  This might make things a bit easier

Answer 8

You're going to have to visit the stylist (woman) many times and let your daughter watch her cut other people's hair (get people she's comfortable with to have the haircuts) before she'll be able to do this. It may take a while, but your patience should be rewarded in time.

Answer 9

My son has autism,and it used to be a nightmare to cut his hair or even wash or comb it.I have learned,through some bio-med groups,that this is a vitaminD defiency that causes pain there.My son has been on nutritional supps,including vit.D for awhile,and I no longer have problems with washing and cutting his hair.

Answer 10

try it and be right thier to hold her hand and talk to her while they cut her hair, or if she takes naps try to take her when you know she's about to have one

Answer 11

Try rewarding her in some way if she allows you to cut her hair. (reinforcement for positive behaviour) - promise and give her a Webkin if she lets you cut her hair.- Tell her all Princesses like to have their hair cut.

I teach the drums and will be trying to teach a new 20 year old autistic student tomorrow. - Wish me luck!

Answer 12

You have some really good answers.

But I would like to add, is to talk to your normal hair salon and explain your concerns, and ask if its ok if you bring her in each week over a month or so, so she can met the staff, and become familiar sitting in the chair, and the different things used in a hair salon, it might be worth having one of the staff to brush her hair, or putting it up (try and have the same person each week).

Once she feels comfortable with the staff and salon, maybe try have her hair washed, while you have your hair cut, if she accepts this you maybe able to try having her hair cut, the next week, but be sure to talk to her how special and nice it is to have our hair washed and cut.

I wish you both luck

Answer 13

Intoduce her to teh hair dresser slowly-talk to the person ahead of time and have field trips-

just walk around the place-sit in the chair, etc..

see if you can do the prep work yourself-ask the place to accommodate your daughter's disability this way-

you was her hair-you comb her hair-the stylist  only does teh actual cutting

have the mirror covered up so she can't see

distract her with  favorite toys/foods

work with an occupational therapist to reduce this resistance..

Answer 14

I took my ASD daughter to one of the kids' salons that other people have mentioned once I couldn't handle her hair myself. There were lots of distractions, including computers to look at, and the staff worked very quickly. Many kids on the spectrum went there.

I would check it out myself first to see if you think she'd be comfortable. My daughter liked the large, funny characters around the store, but some kids might find them scary. Next you might try walking by or even going in with your daughter and letting her get a picture of the place in her mind, without the pressure of getting a cut right then. When you do take her for the haircut, try to find a quiet time -- early or mid-morning on a weekday worked well for us. At those times, there is less sensory pressure from loud hair dryers, other kids running around, etc. Good luck!

Answer 15

Get your hair cut first. Show her its fun! Tell her that Mommy is going to take her for a girlie day and ice cream or something else she enjoys.I'd try to make the experience a memory. I'd do alittle research first though go to a few different salons and find a place where a hairdresser has patience and the ability to fully understand your situation. Some one you are comfortable with and won't lose his/her temper in the middle of the haircut.

I also have to say that parents of autistic children are some of the bravest, most caring people I have ever known! I carry such respect for you guys and congradulate what a heart of gold you must have. I hope everything goes well and I wish you, your daughter and family my best wishes!