For some autistic children, a visit to the barber can be overwhelming. That’s why Vernon Jackson has worked so hard to make his hair salon a safe and accessible place for neurodivergent kids! He shared a beautiful video on social media showcasing how he made one of his clients feel comfortable while getting their hair cut. Although Harry was pretty reluctant at the beginning, he eventually walked out with a fantastic new do!
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In the clip, Vernon began the appointment by establishing a rapport with the boy. After a few high-fives and a hug, Harry consented to sitting down in the barber’s chair. In order to make him feel a little more at home, Vernon gave the young man an action figure to hold. Next, he placed a cape over his client to protect him from hair clippings. Then, it was finally time to get to work!
Throughout the appointment, Vernon was incredibly patient. As someone who has worked with many autistic children before, this barber wanted to make sure that his client was fully comfortable before doing anything. So, he asked for Harry’s permission every step of the way! For example, when the barber needed to use his electric clipper, he let the young man examine the device. Vernon wanted the boy to know exactly what it would feel like beforehand so that he wouldn’t get startled during the haircut.
This boy absolutely loved his new look.
By the end of the visit, Harry was looking very stylish in his asymmetrical new do! The boy’s mom was incredibly thankful for everything Vernon did to make her son feel safe in his salon. In the caption of his video, the barber shared a heartwarming message that he’d received from the woman.
“Thank you so much!” she wrote. “He did incredible and we are so proud of him — he really loves his haircut and was checking himself out non-stop once we got home. You were so great with him, and I’m so appreciative of what you do!”
Vernon Jackson already helps so many autistic children and their families with his inclusive barber shop, but he doesn’t stop there. Through his organization, The Gifted Event, he also provides these services for free! If you would like to sponsor a child’s haircut, you can do so on their website.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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