Salon's special session for autistic children

Georgia Bell, owner of Twisted Scissors in High Street, Rotherham, set up the “quiet Sundays” to help friends with children on the autistic spectrum to get a haircut in calm surroundings.

She said visiting the barber’s or hairdresser’s could be a traumatic experience for autistic children, who may have difficulty with busy, noisy surroundings and a fear of scissors and clippers.

Georgia said she had been inspired to create sessions especially to cater for these concerns and relieve some of the potential stress.

“We took away the noise and salon smells, made longer time slots, provided toys to play with, sweets and drinks and a ton of love and patience,” she said.

“Some children come for several months before we are able to pick the scissors up in front of them, but now a year down the line all our kids are having haircuts and we have built very special relationships with these families.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of this and watch these children grow.”