Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Charlene,My son is 2 and I have the same problem. I found out that he is mesmerized by Little Mermaid and will actually let me cut it if I put a chair in front of the TV. I have to do it quick, and stop very frequently (it takes over an hour to get very little done). His hair is still pretty long, but I keep it from being out of control that way. That is the only way I can keep from hurting him with the scissors or not cutting his hair at all. I have found no other way to cut his hair. I don't think I could do it in his sleep. This may not work, becuase you've probably already tried something like this.You'll see my "new" post as well. Aiden doesn't have a diagnosis yet.Maggiemom to Aidenmaggielouisem@...Charlene wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed as autistic after several years of trying to find someone who would listen to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricians kept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I found one who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first has to do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hair while he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electric clippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leave the house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn't bear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simply cutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always look the greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in his sleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair. I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets long and he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he can tolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? I can't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debatein the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink Q&A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi Charlene! Welcome. Does you son have any particular object or toy that he is attached to, a candy that he really likes or a movie that he loves. It has always helped my son to have something to hold in his hand or put in his mouth and something intersting to watch to distract him. Also, I always clipper his hair very short to allow more time between haircuts. He is almost nine now and actually does very well after years of practice! Good luck! Keep sharing! Charlene wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi Charlene, I created a free software program 'Getting a Haircut' specifically for children with autism/ and other language delays. It visually and auditorially describes the entire process of getting a haircut. Your son does not need mouse skills to operate the program. He simply needs to press the space bar. I have aprox 25 other programs (all free) that address situations/ events, holidays, etc. that are difficult for verbally limited kids to understand. My website is www.hiyah.net. Please feel free to download anything you need:) Sara Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi...We went thro the same thing with ( now 14) when he was younger. Once he became more verbal he was able to tell us he was upset cause he thought we were "breaking" his hair..sigh..Once we got it cut short( by whatever means necessary) we did quick trims...very quick...almost every other day. We made it worth his while by putting on his very favorite video ( which he only got to watch at hair cutting time) and made a HUGE party out of his ability to sit still . Gradually we went from a 30 second cut to now where he loves going to the hairdressers and chat with them.. Patience and good rewards work!! Good luck Missy Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Hi Charlene, The way I got my son to cut his hair was by taking him to a barber shop (less crowded than salons) and let him see other people cut thier hair first. He was at first nervous but the barber was very patient and understanding. I did not allow them to use the electric clippers at first because the noise bothered him but now he's 9 yrs old and has become accustomed to all the noises in the shop. I also used to reward him when he was good with a lollipop or something similar. Hope this helps..Good Luck. Maggie Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 We thought it would never happen but after about 5 tries, he is actually sitting on his own for the whole time. For a few years we struggled with the clippers at home. Then my wife found a haircut shop with a hairdresser who will cater to kids on the spectrum. She offers after hours to avoid the embarrassment of all the screaming -- has a video machine and will play the kids favorite tape. (of course) is his favorite. Each time was a little better -- she lets him hold the clippers, turn them on and off, etc. Now we go every 5 weeks. A good starting point is downloading the "Getting a Haircut" video from Hiyah.net http://www.hiyah.net/software.htmlIt takes perserverence but it can be done. Best luck. Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 You are the best Sara... Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 I'm not sure where you live but have you tried "CoolCuts4Kids?" They have a web site to show their locations. I have two kids on the spectrum, one 9 with Asperger's and one 3 with 'classic' autism - and they both do well there. They even have a club where you get a haircut free after so many visits. There are TVs/DVDs at each station, and you can either pick a movie there or I bring in one from home for the 9yo. They also can play video games. It keeps them distracted enough that the trim is over before they know it. They also have a the Train table in the waiting area. HTH. Marie p.s. I've heard of other similar franchises in other parts of the country where CoolCuts4Kids isn't in yet.Charlene wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2007 Report Share Posted February 2, 2007 Thanks The next program I will be working on is 'Going to a Restaurant'....something we haven't been able to master yet. Sara Hi, I'm new here Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 I used to restrain my son and shave his head---scissors weren't optional with him. From age 2 through 4 I did this. This last cut, he actually sat in a barber's chair and let someone cut his hair as well as do clippers. Me and my bf held his hands and talked him through it...and he had his respirdol on board as well...and he sat through it and was rewarded for being very good...he got to go pick out a car at walmart.. AngMaggie Marschner wrote: Charlene,My son is 2 and I have the same problem. I found out that he is mesmerized by Little Mermaid and will actually let me cut it if I put a chair in front of the TV. I have to do it quick, and stop very frequently (it takes over an hour to get very little done). His hair is still pretty long, but I keep it from being out of control that way. That is the only way I can keep from hurting him with the scissors or not cutting his hair at all. I have found no other way to cut his hair. I don't think I could do it in his sleep. This may not work, becuase you've probably already tried something like this.You'll see my "new" post as well. Aiden doesn't have a diagnosis yet.Maggiemom to AidenmaggielouisemCharlene <charlenemoody> wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debatein the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink Q & A. Harmony Mission Shops http://stores.ebay.com/Harmony-Mission-Shops?refid=store Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Need Mail bonding?Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 From the time my son had his first haircut (1yr old) we sat him in his highchair in front of tv with Barney.He's 10 now and it still works.He cooperates very well and his grandmother uses clippers to cut his hair.When he was younger we gave alot of verbal praise as he was getting his hair cut and I really think that helped.Now that he's older we'll comment on how handsome he looks or how well he sat still etc. Stacey Date: 2007/02/02 Fri PM 11:06:36 CST To: AutismBehaviorProblems Subject: Re: Hi, I'm new here I used to restrain my son and shave his head---scissors weren't optional with him. From age 2 through 4 I did this. This last cut, he actually sat in a barber's chair and let someone cut his hair as well as do clippers. Me and my bf held his hands and talked him through it...and he had his respirdol on board as well...and he sat through it and was rewarded for being very good...he got to go pick out a car at walmart..  Ang Maggie Marschner wrote: Charlene, My son is 2 and I have the same problem. I found out that he is mesmerized by Little Mermaid and will actually let me cut it if I put a chair in front of the TV. I have to do it quick, and stop very frequently (it takes over an hour to get very little done). His hair is still pretty long, but I keep it from being out of control that way. That is the only way I can keep from hurting him with the scissors or not cutting his hair at all. I have found no other way to cut his hair. I don't think I could do it in his sleep. This may not work, becuase you've probably already tried something like this. You'll see my " new " post as well. Aiden doesn't have a diagnosis yet. Maggie mom to Aiden maggielouisem@... Charlene wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed as<BR>autistic after several years of trying to find someone who would<BR>listen to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricians<BR>kept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I found<BR>one who would listen.) <BR><BR>Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first has to do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hair while he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electric clippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leave the house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn't<BR>bear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simply<BR>cutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always look the greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in his sleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair. I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets long<BR>and he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he can<BR>tolerate anyone touching his head. <BR><BR>Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? I<BR>can't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink Q & A. Harmony Mission Shops http://stores.ebay.com/Harmony-Mission-Shops?refid=store   Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.  Had no degree,  yet they called Him Teacher.  Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.  Had no army, yet kings feared Him.  He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.  He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.  He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.    Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q & A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Wow! Thanks for all the great advice. I have tried sitting him still with a favorite video. I even tried buying a new one he had been wanting. I also tried letting him hold a favorite toy - the Tank Engine. None of these things have worked. I am in Tennessee and we don't have a Cool Cuts for Kids; however, I just checked and there is one in Florida near my ex-sister-in-law. I plan to take my children to see her this summer so maybe we can try it while we're there if we don't have it under control before then. As for the other ideas, I am going to start trying them right away. Thanks so much! I'll post the results as soon as I know how it works out. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2007 Report Share Posted February 5, 2007 Charlene, My son did not like getting his haircut either when he was younger.....at one point, we actually used scissors, while he was in the tub~he thought it funny that his hair floated~however, that also required a longer bath time to get the hair off of him......at some point, we were cutting his hair at least 2x a month (even if he did not need it) just to get him used to the scissors, and eventually, an electric razor (w/o the water) Each child is different, though~sometimes getting them to watch a favorite show, or music...or watching someone that they imitate get a haircut too...... Good luck! AprilCharlene wrote: Hi. I'm new to this group. My son (5) has just been diagnosed asautistic after several years of trying to find someone who wouldlisten to me when I told them I was concerned. (His pediatricianskept saying that he was fine. So I kept trying new ones until I foundone who would listen.) Though I am sure I'll have many questions along the way, the first hasto do with cutting his hair. I have never been able to cut his hairwhile he is awake. My ex held him down and cut it with the electricclippers once or twice when he was a year or two old. I had to leavethe house. My son screamed and cried and kicked and bit... I couldn'tbear to endure it. Since then, I have handled his hair by simplycutting it with scissors while he is sleeping. It doesn't always lookthe greatest and it takes me all night to do it because even in hissleep he covers his head with his hands when I begin cutting his hair.I've tried leaving it long, but he has headaches when it gets longand he seems more aggressive. Plus the longer it is, the less he cantolerate anyone touching his head. Does anyone have any suggestions on helping him to endure haircuts? Ican't imagine always having to cut his hair while he is sleeping. Sorry to be so long on my first post. Thanks. Charlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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