Mayor of Rotherham joins in autism-friendly hairdressing session

The Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley joined others at Twisted Scissors for the autism friendly session on Sunday.

The High Street hairdresser offers monthly autism-friendly days for parents with affected children, run by salon owner Georgia Bell and colleague Claire Cant.

Georgia said: “Children have longer slots for haircuts and we eliminate all sounds and smells from the salon.

“There are toys, sweets and a relaxed atmosphere — this has happened since last May and has proved a huge success.”

Around 20 children are seen each month at the special sessions, which are currently oversubscribed.

Georgia said: “To see how some of our kids have come on since providing the service has proven invaluable to us.

“Just by continued sessions and building trust, children who originally wouldn’t entertain a haircut now have minimal issues.”

She added: “It’s been great to go on this journey with both children and parents.

“From the feedback we have received both verbally and on our Facebook page, parents feel this is a vital service for their children.”