Autism covers a broad range of conditions which are caused by a difference in the brain. Autism looks different for everybody but, in general, people who have autism can have challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and communication. This can make navigating daily life challenging and having a haircut can be one such occasion. This does not mean everyone who has autism will not like having their haircut but there are things you can offer, say and do to make it a much more manageable experience. This is a list of some changes you could do in your salon but it is my no means definitive. Every client is different and their needs should be assessed individually and, as needs change over time, should be constantly reviewed.
1) A lot of people with autism have a hypersensitivity to noise. You can imagine a busy salon with music, hairdryers, clippers and people chatting could be distressing if you are sensitive to noise. In this case you could offer to turn the music down or off. You could move your client to a quieter area in the salon or to a quiet room if your salon can accommodate. Offering appointments at quieter times in the salon is another option. You can also offer a silent cut where you do not talk if the client would prefer. Something simple like using quieter equipment can make all the difference.
2) Children can be fidgets at the best of times and a lot of children are nervous about having their hair cut. The same can go for autistic children. You can offer special chairs for them to help distract them. Some brilliant ones we've seen include cars and horses. When they are nervous they can fidget so having a box of fidget toys could help to alleviate some of the stress. Have televisions so they can watch something while having their hair done. Anything you can do to help detract from what is going on could be helpful.
3) People with autism also report that they like to know what will happen beforehand so talking through the cut as you're doing it can help. For children a story board can be a big help as it shows them what will happen from start to finish. Offer to sit clients in front of a mirror so they can see when they will be touched next. Anything you can do to take the surprise out of the situation will decrease stress.
4) Some people with autism do not like strong smells so a great thing to offer would be unscented products or you could even allow them to bring in their own products from home.
5) For some the problem is that they don't like being touched or that certain textures on their skin increase stress. For example a client may not want to wear a gown so you could allow them to get changed after the haircut so they don't have the feeling of scratchy hair on their skin. Asking the kind of pressure they are comfortable with when you are combing hair and even changing brushes and combs if needed. You could use their own brush or comb from home where possible.
6) A salon needs good lighting to show off the amazing work of the stylists but bright lights may be uncomfortable for some so offering to turn lights off or down where possible is a good idea.
7) A lot of it comes down to being adaptable. If a client doesn't want to sit on the chair be prepared to cut hair on the floor. Asking permission first so they feel more in control and comfortable is the minimum to offer. For example, do they want their hair dried? Do they want products in their hair? Do they mind clippers/hairdryers etc? Would they rather just a dry trim? Repetition can really help them become comfortable with the process. And remembering it is a process and will take time is key. Start off small and offer the option of just popping in to the salon and saying hello or sitting on the chair for a few minutes. This can then build up so it's less of a shock the first time you cut their hair. Altering your language can also help. Instead of using the word "cut" which can sound scary to some, you could use "trim" or another similar word.
These ideas and so many more can help make all clients feel comfortable while having their hair cut. Reading up on autism and the challenges people with autism can face can make you aware of how you can help them during a haircut.
More importantly, if you are accepting and aware, then you are able to help them overcome and deal with challenges and this will help increase their self confidence, mental health and self acceptance which is so important!