WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — Getting a haircut can be a difficult experience for children on the autism spectrum.
Albert Martinez should know — he has three autistic sons.
“I know how hard it can be,” Martinez said. “I’m that dad — my older son hates haircuts.”
That’s why Martinez offers sensory-friendly haircuts at his Woonsocket barbershop once a week.
“This gives them the chance to breathe and just concentrate on one thing at a time,” he explained.
Martinez, who’s been a licensed barber for more than 20 years, told 12 News this initiative has been the most rewarding of his entire career.
“It’s been cool to meet different kids,” Martinez said. “I love it.”
Martinez met his wife, Danyelle, when she brought her 3-year-old son into his barbershop for a haircut one afternoon.
“I was a single mom and I have a little boy that has autism,” Danyelle explained. “He has a lot of sensory issues with noises and just doesn’t like being touched in his space.”
“Some of the outside world doesn’t understand the world we live in and people stare,” she continued.
SEE ALSO: How a man’s hobby behind bars helped him break the cycle
But Martinez understood immediately and made her son feel right at home.
His goal is to not only make the children feel comfortable, but also to teach them patience.
“It’s really important for them going forward,” Martinez said. “If they can sit through a 30-minute haircut, other things may become more comfortable for them.”
Though other barbershops and salons also accommodate children on the autism spectrum, he hopes even more will set aside some time each week so their clients can feel secure as well.
Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.
Follow us on social media:
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
This Week in Good News
SIGN UP NOW
if ( window.checkSizeClasses && window.checkSizeClasses instanceof Function) {
window.checkSizeClasses();
}
