The boy, a haircut and the lockdown

Haircuts! One of those things in life which we take for granted. If you need a haircut, you just go to your preferred hairdresser and get one, that’s about it, no big deal. Yet for individuals with Autism, getting a haircut can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if they have sensory issues. Some may not be comfortable with the sound of the hair trimmer, scissors, hairdryer, or even the water spray. A lot of preparation goes in to ensure they have a smooth experience and more importantly they are willing to go back the next time!

Though Dhruv has sensory issues, over the years we had got him accustomed to the ritual of a haircut every two weeks. For five years, we took him to the same barber uncle, then we moved cities last year and he got introduced to a new barber uncle. He started getting used to him and then the lockdown happened.

The internet has lots of home haircut stories but I did not attempt it. As a result, Dhruv had started sporting a thick mop of hair and with the advent of Summer, it was irritating him. Yesterday after two months he finally stepped out to get a haircut. In the morning Gopan had stepped out to get a haircut at the salon and to assess how safe it was to take Dhruv. He came back and reported that Malhi uncle who normally cuts Dhruv’s hair wasn’t there, instead Gulzar uncle would cut his hair.

Due to his Autism, Dhruv likes routine and any change in it can cause anxiety and he has to be prepared for it. Over the years, we realized that writing and breaking things into simple sentences helped him process better and prepared him for new situations. He could then read what was going to happen and more importantly what was expected of him. So, we wrote in his book and explained the sequence of events.

1. Dhruv has to wear a mask and go to the barber’s shop with Achan (Dad).
2. Malhi uncle is not there but Gulzar uncle is nice and can cut his hair.
3. He would start by spraying a disinfectant on Dhruv’s clothes.
4. He would spray sanitiser on Dhruv’s hands.
5. Dhruv would sit on a chair.
6. Achan would hold Dhruv’s mask while Gulzar uncle cut his hair.
7. Once the haircut is over, Dhruv and Achan will go to City Super Market.
8. Dhruv could have a bath after coming home. 
9. Is it OK? (This part is the most important bit of communication in this entire process as I am asking his permission, is it okay to go ahead with this.)

I wrote down this sequence and made him read it a couple of times. He takes time to absorb and I felt a little apprehensive. He was going to wear a mask for the first time ever and face a new barber, that’s two new things at one shot, a toughie! The duo went off and came back a little later, Dhruv sporting a smart new haircut. I checked with Gopan, and apart from his mask being a little loose, it went off well. Mission Successful!

The original link for the blog is https://sujapisharody.home.blog/2020/05/21/the-boy-a-haircut-and-the-lockdown/

Read another blog by the author: Autism – Hope and Cure