Welsh barber’s unique approach calms boy

By Kate Hassett

Welsh barber’s unique approach calms boy
One man goes to extreme lengths to calm autistic boy during haircut.

When Mason’s parents, Jamie Lewis and Denine Davies, brought their son for a haircut at Jim the Trim barber shop in Briton Ferry, Wales, they were surprised by the incredible act of kindness exhibited by one of their staff.

James Williams quickly realised that Mason, who has autism, was far more comfortable on the floor than in the barber chair.

Mason had a history of being uncomfortable with haircuts and would often run away or become frightened if people came too close.

“He wouldn’t allow me to go near one of his ears,” Williams explained in his Facebook post. “He would run away [at] times if he wasn’t up for it.”

But it wasn’t till Williams noticed that Mason was comfortable on the floor that he was able to soothe the boy into letting him cut his hair.

“I went on the floor as I found that’s where he always wanted to be. he played on his father’s phone, watched random programs, and that entertained him,” Williams told People.com.

“He laid there in silence and I just started cutting. It didn’t bother him” he says. “Leaving him to do his own thing is what he wanted and it worked. It was just incredible.”

After the successful cut, Mason showed his appreciation by rewarding Williams with a huge hug and a thank you.

“I’m just happy to do what I do, as I love the job I’m in, giving a good haircut and making people happy,” he says. “It’s unreal to see how many families you touch all over who have children or family members who have ASD. To have one picture touch so many, I feel you can give them hope. I’m on Cloud Nine.”

Williams shared his story in the hope that he could educate more people about the challenges faced by families, who have children on the autism spectrum, on a daily basis. His story provides others with an idea of how to interact with children on the spectrum and proves that these incredible children deserve all the support we can give them.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login