August 22, 2018

Haircuts and Autism (VIDEO)

34404002_2374140355929744_9100055494197772288_n

It’s hair cut day! Anyone that follows my page knows that this is a huge day in our world. (Next to potty training this is our biggest victory!)

Haircuts and autism rarely mix. And after one too many really awful experiences trying to go to a salon, I decided to cut Cooper’s hair myself. The first year was awful. Kicking, hitting, screaming. But we stuck with it.

And now, five years later, he is a pro.

Take a watch and see how amazing my boy does at age seven. I am not in the least bit nervous either…even at 33 weeks pregnant. I talk him through it. We are patient with each other. And he always gets a huge reward of an ice cream cone when we are done.

If haircuts are a nightmare for you and your kid, and you dread it SO MUCH, I highly recommend you cutting your kid’s hair at home. This has been life changing for us.

Questions that will be asked:

  1. He is autistic and nonverbal. If haircuts were easy, I wouldn’t be sharing this video.
  2. While it’s the hair on his neck that bothers him the most, he won’t wear a cape. We’ve tried. Relentlessly.
  3. I recommend a wireless clipper.
  4. Yes, the music is loud on his Kindle. I don’t even hear it anymore….that is until I play the video back.
  5. I am not too rough with him. Never once.
  6. Here is a link to the clippers I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0993NM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N0993NM&linkCode=as2&tag=findingcooper-20&linkId=ae46e1d2f7f7bc775ccc50706d6d0adb

https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice/videos/291189298273722/

Interested in writing for Finding Cooper’s Voice? LEARN MORE

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

Avatar photo

Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Share this post: