Special Needs Kids and Haircuts - Now there's two concepts that do not go well together, and can make even the hardiest of parents shudder!
With the children in our social skills group, and throughout my time as a home tutor, haircutting is a HUGE sensory issue across the board. Many children report being able to feel pain during hair cuts.
I think most families I know have tried many ways to assist their children getting the dreaded haircut, including: While the child is asleep, in the bath, holding them on a chair (2-3 people holding them), wrapped in a towel, using lots of bribes, having a bath ready and letting it grow. Scissors, clippers - you name it, you've tried it all! At the hairdressers it's a sensory overload - there are strong smells, and the buzzing sound of clippers and hairdryers can be enough to prevent your child even going near to the chair! However, if you can find a hairdresser that will let you take your child to visit, watch what is happening and hold the equipment, it might be useful. Here are some other ideas that might help:
Ideas from parents are welcome!
Claire.
With the children in our social skills group, and throughout my time as a home tutor, haircutting is a HUGE sensory issue across the board. Many children report being able to feel pain during hair cuts.
I think most families I know have tried many ways to assist their children getting the dreaded haircut, including: While the child is asleep, in the bath, holding them on a chair (2-3 people holding them), wrapped in a towel, using lots of bribes, having a bath ready and letting it grow. Scissors, clippers - you name it, you've tried it all! At the hairdressers it's a sensory overload - there are strong smells, and the buzzing sound of clippers and hairdryers can be enough to prevent your child even going near to the chair! However, if you can find a hairdresser that will let you take your child to visit, watch what is happening and hold the equipment, it might be useful. Here are some other ideas that might help: - Find a hairdressers that’s more child-friendly and doesn’t stink of chemicals.
- Bring a clean T-shirt to change into straight away
- Bring an MP3 player, portable DVD player to help distract them
- Use a weighted vest or lap-pad to help calm them
- Refer to it as a hair trim instead of cut
- Use reinforcers to encourage them
- Give choices of clippers or scissors
- Have a drink nearby in case they need a break
- Offer a visit to the shop or park afterwards
- Play at home with a vibrating toothbrush or clippers
Ideas from parents are welcome!
I am a licensed cosmetologist; and mother of two children with special needs. When I cut thier hair; I use a favorite movie. We talk about what we are going to do. I explain that there are no boo boos. I let them touch the clippers (we call them the tickle).
ReplyDeleteI have one child that really has a hard time and it usually takes us about an hour to get it done.
The key is patience and telling the truth. Have no fear; because they will see right through you.