For children with autism, haircuts can sometimes be overwhelming or even distressing. The sound of clippers, the feel of water sprays, and the sensation of scissors close to the head can all be challenging sensory experiences. However, with consistent practice, patience, and a few ABA-based techniques, parents can help their child become more comfortable with haircuts.
Why Are Haircuts Difficult for Kids with ASD?
Children with autism often have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can make the experience of getting a haircut uncomfortable or even painful. Bright lights, loud sounds, and unexpected physical touch can all add to the stress. Additionally, the unfamiliar environment of a salon can trigger anxiety, especially if your child is used to a predictable home routine.
ABA Strategies for Haircut Success
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides structured techniques for gradually helping your child become comfortable with haircuts. Here are some strategies you can try:
Desensitization, also called graduated exposure, involves exposing your child to the steps of a haircut slowly and gradually until they become more comfortable. Begin with the smallest steps, such as holding scissors or feeling a comb, and gradually increase exposure to more challenging steps.
Desensitization (Gradual Exposure)
How to Implement:
- Start by letting your child hold or look at a pair of scissors (without cutting) for a few seconds. Reinforce with praise or a small reward.
- Move on to gently combing their hair, or spraying a mist of water near their head.
- Break the process down into steps (combing, spraying, touching with scissors), each time reinforcing positive behavior with rewards, such as their favorite toy or a treat.
Task Analysis
Task analysis is the process of breaking down the entire haircut into small, manageable steps. This makes it easier for your child to understand what will happen next, reducing anxiety about the unknown.
Sample Steps:
- Sit in the chair for a minute.
- Put on the haircutting cape.
- Touch or hold the comb and scissors.
- Allow the hair to be dampened with a spray bottle.
- Allow one section of hair to be trimmed.
- Progress to multiple sections.
For each step, praise your child or give a reward, ensuring each success is recognized. Over time, the sequence of steps will become familiar and more predictable, which can help your child tolerate longer periods in the chair.
Visual Supports
Visual supports, such as picture schedules or social stories, can help children understand what to expect during a haircut. Use images to illustrate each step of the process, from sitting in the chair to finishing up.
How to Implement:
- Create a simple visual schedule with photos or illustrations that show each part of the haircut process.
- Walk through the steps with your child before the appointment, using phrases like “first, we sit in the chair,” “next, we put on the cape,” and so on.
- Reassure your child by pointing to each image and explaining the process while you go through each step during the haircut.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement means rewarding your child immediately after they demonstrate calm behavior during a haircut. Use highly motivating rewards, like a favorite snack or toy, for successful behavior during each step.
How to Implement:
- Reinforce each successful step. For example, after sitting calmly in the chair, provide praise or a small treat.
- Give bigger rewards after they complete the entire haircut (or after major milestones in the process).
- Ensure that rewards are specific to the haircut experience, so your child knows these are for haircut-related accomplishments.
Pairing with Preferred Activities
Pairing means adding an enjoyable activity or comfort item to a non-preferred activity (like a haircut) to make it more tolerable.
Examples of Pairing:
- Let your child watch their favorite show or listen to calming music during the haircut.
- Allow them to bring a comfort item, such as a toy or blanket, to the salon.
- After the haircut, plan an enjoyable activity, like going to the playground or enjoying a treat, to create a positive association with the experience.
Choice and Control
Allowing your child some choice and control can reduce anxiety. While you may not be able to give control over every aspect of the haircut, small choices can help them feel more at ease.
Examples:
- Let them choose which seat they sit in or which cape color they wear.
- Ask if they’d prefer to start with the front or the back of their head.
- Offer choices that give a sense of control while keeping the session manageable.
Use Social Stories
Social stories are brief, personalized stories that explain the steps of a haircut and how your child should respond. They’re written in simple language with reassuring messages to help prepare your child.
Example Social Story Outline:
- “Today, I am going to get a haircut. First, I will sit in a big, comfy chair. Then, I will wear a special cape that keeps my clothes clean.”
- “It’s okay if the scissors make a sound or if water touches my hair. I am safe.”
- “When the haircut is done, I will feel great, and I will get a reward!”
Practice at Home
You can prepare for haircuts by role-playing the experience at home. This can help desensitize your child to the steps, so they’re less anxious at the salon.
How to Implement:
- Set up a pretend haircut station at home and go through each step in a low-pressure environment.
- Use toy scissors or a water spray bottle, and let your child get comfortable with these tools.
How ALON Behavior Consulting Can Help
At ALON Behavior Consulting, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) develop individualized plans tailored to each child’s needs. For children with sensory sensitivities or behavioral challenges surrounding haircuts, we can provide hands-on support, assess triggers, and guide you in implementing ABA strategies at home. Our team collaborates closely with families to create effective routines and ensure that the haircut process becomes less stressful over time.
With support, practice, and patience, children with autism can gradually become more comfortable with haircuts, making this routine experience more manageable for both parents and kids.
