Haircuts can be a difficult task for a child with autism. The child may experience sensory issues as well as anxiety. At some point, the child will have to get a haircut. Here are some tips for making the process go a little smoother:
* Desensitize: If you have a child who has experienced a haircut already but, it did not go well try to desensitize your child to the entire process. If you are using clippers, have the clippers laying around the house while not bringing any attention to it. By doing this, you are allowing the child to become accustom to seeing the clippers.  After the child is comfortable with seeing the clippers, turn the clippers on for short periods at a time. This will allow the child to hear the clippers on and get used to the sound without actually having a haircut. Then, as the child is able to have the sound of the clippers on let the child hold the clippers and/or put them up to his face to feel the vibration.                                  *Remember, to keep this process successful only perform each trial at your child’s comfort.
* Bring your child to your own haircut: Bring your child to get your own hair cut. This will allow the child to see someone else getting a haircut and becoming exposed to the environment. Seeing mom or dad get a haircut can ease the tension for the child to see that he/she will not be harmed by this process.
*Make the environment reinforcing: Before the haircut begins, make the environment surrounding your child as reinforcing as possible. Keep toys around that the child likes to play with. Bring an iPad so the child can be occupied by watching a video or playing a game to keep their mind off of the haircut. IF it is possible, allow your child to wear little headphones with the iPad to muffle the sound of the clippers. Whatever it is that soothes your child, bring it along and keep your child entertained!
*Social Stories: For a higher functioning child, write a social story for what will occur during the haircut. Put in the story what other people will be doing, what is expected of your child to do during the haircut (HINT… it is just to sit there!), and what will be the outcome. This will allow the child to get an understanding of what a haircut will be like.
*Turn the child away from the mirror: Seeing sharp scissors or clippers can be scary for your child. Keep any mirrors or objects that show reflections away from your child.
Preparing your child for a haircut will make the process smoother. After the haircut is over, praise your child for completing the haircut. Take your child to an activity he or she finds to be fun to reinforce their behavior (and your child will look fabulous with the new haircut!).