Two Young People's Amazing Barbershop Achievement

Published by Prior's Court School on Monday 23rd of October 2023

Two Prior's Court young people have been empowered to access a barber shop - one for the first time in seven years and the other for the first time in 12 years.

Joe and William, both of whom are in Millington House at Prior's Court, went to The Cutting Bar in Newbury for their first hair cuts in a long time. For Joe, this is the first time he has set foot in a barbershop since he was two years old. He is now 13. William, who is also 13, has not been to a barbershop since he was seven.

For children and adults on the autism spectrum, a visit to a hairdresser can be a difficult experience.

 Hairdressing salons are unfamiliar, busy, and noisy places. They often contain strong smells of shampoo/hair products, loud noises from hairdryers and other equipment, and strangers chatting loudly as they have their hair cut. These all play a part in sensory issues which can make a person feel uncomfortable before the actual process of having a haircut has even started.

It is thanks to the amazing work of the Prior's Court staff and the mechanisms they have devised to help the boys cope that have made this achievement possible. Without their patience and dedication, neither one of these boys would likely feel comfortable and confident enough to achieve something like this.

 Both boys had something to keep them entertained and relaxed throughout their hair cut - William had his iPad and some chocolate to snack on and Joe had some cartoons to watch which really helped them cope with their environment. Both did incredibly well and we are so proud of both of them.

Katy, Joe's mum, said

"We are so proud of Joe having such a positive experience at the barber. We were a little nervous about how it would go, but after speaking to Clare who explained the well planned and thought out strategy for taking Joe and knowing his happiness was priority we were happy to give it a go. We couldn't be more thrilled. Joe's life skills are coming on tremendously since staring at Priors Court."