Preparing for Haircuts with ABA Techniques

Haircuts can be very challenging for all children, especially the first few times they go. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though, typically face extra roadblocks to success with haircuts.

Experiencing new environments, handling transitions, sitting still and attentively, and encountering sensory stimuli all may present unique challenges for children on the autism spectrum.

It’s not uncommon for children with autism to become overwhelmed easily when they get a haircut, which can result in them throwing tantrums or exhibiting avoidance behavior.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) can help prepare children with autism for haircuts, making them a more manageable, enjoyable and successful experience for all involved.

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Familiarizing Children with Haircuts

Preparation is an important step in exposing children with ASD to new environments and situations. They often do well in familiar environments and situations, but may struggle in unfamiliar ones.

A major reason for this is that children on the autism spectrum thrive on routine and predictability. If haircuts are new or foreign to them, they aren’t able to accurately predict what to expect, which can cause them to become easily anxious or overwhelmed.

By introducing some of the concepts of getting a haircut as well as the environment in which they are performed, ABA therapists can familiarize children with haircuts.

Some of this can be done in the controlled ABA therapy setting. Through social stories, videos and other visual supports, therapists can introduce these concepts to children with autism.

They can then use similar supports to describe what a haircut involves, what they might be exposed to and how they are expected to act. Along the way, the therapist will integrate positive reinforcement techniques to reward their patients for successfully attempting the skills and behaviors they’re being taught, and to keep them motivated and engaged.

Eventually, part of the work of familiarization can include Natural Environment Teaching, or NET. This might involve gradually exposing the child to a salon environment so they can experience first-hand what was introduced to them in the therapy setting.

Once there, they can visually see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the odors that are present in salons. Doing all of this before they actually get a haircut can help to prepare children with autism for successful haircuts.

Choosing Appropriate Environments and Bringing Proper Supports

Salons can be overwhelming to children, regardless of their developmental abilities, simply because they are sensory-rich environments. As mentioned, this could easily cause children with ASD to become overwhelmed, which could lead to tantrums and other negative behaviors.

That’s why it’s important for ABA therapists to help parents choose autism- or sensory-friendly environments for them to get a haircut. Today, there are salons that cater to individuals with developmental challenges, though you might not be able to find one easily accessible in your region.

If such an environment isn’t available, it’s important to make the experience as sensory-friendly as possible for the child. This includes bringing a favorite blanket, toy, plushie or anything else that brings them comfort.

Fidget toys and other support tools can also help the child manage their emotions, remain calm and center themselves if they’re becoming overwhelmed. It’s also important to communicate the child’s challenges to the person doing the haircut and the staff at the salon so they can provide additional support if needed.

Even when therapists don’t accompany the children to the haircut, parents, caregivers and others can reinforce ABA therapy concepts that were learned during sessions, including having visual aids, cues, prompts and providing positive reinforcement.

Taken together, this all-encompassing plan will help children with ASD prepare for a haircut and be more successful at getting one.

Step	ABA Technique	Example Activities	Goal
Familiarization	Social stories, videos, visual supports	Show pictures/videos of salons and haircuts	Reduce anxiety by building predictability
Positive Reinforcement	Reward system during practice	Praise, tokens, or small rewards after practice	Increase motivation and cooperation
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)	Gradual exposure to real salon	Visit salon without haircut	Desensitize to sensory stimuli
Sensory Supports	Comfort items, fidget toys	Bring blanket, plushie, headphones	Reduce sensory overload
Communication	Inform staff of needs	Share sensory triggers, preferred supports	Ensure a supportive haircut experience

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with ASD Overcome Challenges

Getting a haircut can be a particularly challenging experience for children with ASD. The new environments and sensory stimuli can cause them to become easily overwhelmed, which can stand in the way of a successful haircut.

At Blue Gems ABA, we follow the principles of ABA therapy to help children with autism overcome challenges they face. By gradually exposing children to haircuts, for example, we help them become more familiar with what to expect, so they can more accurately predict what’s ahead, which can lead to a more enjoyable experience.

To learn more, please contact us today.