20 Parent Tips for a Tantrum-Free Haircut for a Child with Autism

20 Parent Tips for a Tantrum-Free Haircut for a Child with Autism

This article was provided by Wanda Brown from
http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/

Tip #1 - Take each haircut session one at a time.
Observe your child, take notes if necessary. You
will learn more about your child each time.

Tip #2 - Buy a good quality home haircutting kit.
Look for clippers with blade guards to avoid
cutting the hair too short.

Tip #3 - Use unscented shampoo and conditioner if
your child is sensitive to smells or odors.

African-American children may use hair pomade or
other scalp conditioner to moisturize the hair.

Before you begin a haircut wash the hair to remove
any hair products build-up.

Cutting clean, dry hair with clippers is much
faster.

The hair will cut easier.

Some children do not like having their hair washed.

Our son will not lean his head all the way back.

So we began washing his hair with a sudsy shampoo
on a washcloth, and rinse using a washcloth damp
with clear water.

We would condition his hair the same way.

Now he is able to wash his hair on his own.

Tip #4 - Schedule a haircut when your child is least
likely to be 'sensory overloaded' or feeling
overwhelmed by the information he is taking in
through the five senses: hearing, vision, touch,
smell and taste.

Try to avoid scheduling haircuts after school or
when your child is ill or tired.

Our son appears to be most autistic in the morning.

So we do not plan to cut his hair then,
preferring to do it later in the day.

Tip #5 - For a child that is sensitive to the buzzing
noise of the clippers or the repeated 'snap' of a
scissor, try using soft, flexible ear plugs.

Does your child like to sing?

Sing a song, play some of their favorite music.

Tip #6 - Develop a routine for haircuts.

Does your child need a haircut or trim every week,
every other week or monthly?

Try to schedule them for the same day of the week
and time of day whenever possible.

For example, every other Saturday morning - be consistent.

Tip #7 - Think of a few activities, toys or food your
child really enjoys to use as his special reward or
bonus.

What does he like to do? What makes him happy?

Tip #8 - Explain to your child exactly what you are
planning to do during the haircut.

Use short sentences and/or visual supports using
personal pictures or icons.

Take a picture while your child is getting a
haircut.

Take a picture of all the items used.

You may also use icons or PECS.

Tip #9 - Be sure your child has a cape, sheet or towel
draped over him.

Our son hates having any hair fall on his face,
body or clothing.

He covers his face with a hand towel to keep those
fine, cut hairs off his face.

Tip #10 - Under supervision allow your child to handle
the clippers and other items used for the haircut.

At home, allow him to help you prepare for it.

For example, the child gets a towel, and the comb
or brush.

Teach him how to clean the clippers.

For example, brush off any loose hairs from the
blade and oil the clippers.

This can be a good motivator and is fun.

Tip #11 - Observe your child while cutting his hair.

Is there anything in particular he dislikes or finds
intolerable?

If so, try to make it better.

Tip #12 - Allow your child to give an old doll or
teddy bear a haircut while their own hair is
being cut.

This may help your child learn to generalize the
experience.

You or the barber can also use the doll or teddy
bear to demonstrate what it is you need or expect
your child to do.

For example, act out directions to 'turn your
head to the right' or 'bend your head down.'

These are strong visual cues and may be better understood.

Tip #13 - Unless your child is better able to tolerate
a haircut, keep their hairstyles simple.

For example, 'fades' and 'parts' may take longer to
cut.

Try the 'Caesar' style which is a low even-blended
cut all around the head.

Tip #14 - Focus on the task at hand.

Try to cut hair as fast as you can without rushing.

For example, do not dawdle.

Try not to stop cutting hair to talk to others, in person
or on the phone.

Tip #15 - Edge the front, sides and nape of the neck first
for a 'shape-up' then cut the hair.

Should your child not tolerate a haircut before you or
the barber is done, a shape-up will give him a clean,
fresh haircut look, even if the hair has not been entirely
cut.

Tip #16 - Reassure your child during the haircut.

Explain each step of the way in a slow, steady voice.

For example, 'Good job keeping your head still.'

'All done, after...'

Let your child know that the is near.

This step may be faded out gradually as your child becomes
familiar with the process.

Tip #17-  Once the haircut is done, admire your child's
clean-cut appearance.

'You look handsome!'

Show him how he looks in the mirror, if tolerated.

Take before and after photos so they can see the
benefits.

Use this opportunity to begin to teach him how to comb
and brush his own hair.


Tip #18 - Remember to give your child a reward or bonus that
he will enjoy.

Give your child a choice for their bonus.

A reward or bonus will show him that although we must
do unpleasant things sometimes, at other times we get
to do things that we enjoy.


Tip #19 - At home, use this opportunity to teach other
daily living skills, particularly hygiene and grooming.

For example, your child may learn how to undress/dress,
shower or take a bath independently (run his own bath
water at the right temperature, wash his body properly,
determine how long to stay in the shower or tub,
clean the shower/tub, put his dirty clothes away,
use deodorant, choose an appropriate outfit to wear, etc.

Tip #20 - Other lessons and tasks on daily living activities
may be expanded in time as appropriate.

For example, your child may help put items away, clean
and oil the clippers, sweep or vacuum hair off the floor,
put their dirty clothes and towels in the hamper or
washing machine.

Learn to sort laundry, load and wash his clothes,
put clothes in the dryer, fold clothing, learn to
iron, etc.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.