Trips to the barbershop can be challenging. There are all kinds of unique sounds, smells, and other sensory input. Here are a few suggestions to ensure success the next time your child gets a haircut.
BEFORE THE VISIT
- Look up local "autism-friendly barbers"
- Request an appointment during a less busy time at the barbershop.
- Find out if your barbershop has any distractions for children during haircuts, such as fidgets or noise-canceling headphones.
- Ask for a "scissor-only" cut if the noises of razors or other electronic instruments annoy your child.
- Prepare a bag of your child's favorite toys and activities to bring along. Consider potential triggers for your child and develop a strategy for dealing with them.
- Prepare any visual aids you might need.
- With your child, read a social story. Feel free to read this social story from our collection, https://www.georgiabehavior.com/resource/im-getting-a-haircut

DURING THE VISIT
- Utilize visual aids
- Don't wait until things start to go bad; use reinforcers constantly during the visit.
- Save a few reinforcers for later in the visit (such as a unique reinforcer for the areas of the haircut that you don't like as much).
- Before you do anything, ask the barber to explain what they are doing.
- If your child asks for a break, offer opportunities for them to take one.
AFTER THE VISIT
- After the visit, engage in something that your child really enjoys.
- Keep track of unforeseen challenges so you can prepare for them in the future.
- For your social story, take notes.
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