Why we travel 530 miles so our son can have a haircut
Summary
A family travels 530 miles four times a year so their autistic son, Alex, can get a haircut at a special salon in Suffolk designed for people with sensory and neurodivergent needs. The Blade Inclusive Salon provides a calm environment with sensory tools that help clients like Alex and others feel comfortable during haircuts.Key Facts
- Alex, a 7-year-old autistic boy, used to struggle with haircuts due to noise and discomfort.
- His family lives in Aberdeen but travels to Lowestoft, Suffolk, about 530 miles away, to visit the Blade Inclusive Salon.
- The salon, run by Caroline Parnis, has a special sensory studio with toys, calming visuals, and a quiet space.
- Caroline uses gentle methods like starting with scissors and adjusting to the client’s movements to build trust.
- Other families with autistic children also travel long distances for haircuts at this salon.
- Alex’s haircuts have improved from causing meltdowns to being a calm, even enjoyable experience.
- Another boy, Oliver, who is 14 and non-verbal, improved his haircut experience after years of struggle, showing trust in Caroline.
- The salon has been accommodating special needs clients for about 20 years and created the sensory space seven years ago.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.