Local barber gives free haircut to autistic boy who had been turned away by barbershops since age 3

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Singapore barber visits autistic boy’s home to give him free haircut

A local barber has earned praise online after visiting an autistic boy at his home to give him a free haircut.

Content creator and founder of the social initiative Francesco’s Barber Club, Aidan James Loo, shared the heartwarming interaction on his social media accounts.

In his social media captions, Aidan explained that other barbershops had previously turned the boy, named Uwais, away.

Uwais’ parents had been struggling to get his hair cut since he was three, as the experience was too overwhelming for the young boy.

Hoping to help, Aidan visited Uwais’ flat to personally offer his services, greeting the boy at the front door.

Boy faced trauma from previous haircut experiences

Uwais’ mother told Aidan that he was “not really” okay with haircuts when Aidan asked about his comfort level.

Aidan added, in the captions, that Uwais’ trauma with haircuts “grew over time,” due to “multiple bad experiences at the barbers.”

In the video, Aidan tries to build a connection with Uwais, promising to make him the “handsomest boy in [the] whole building.” He even manages to get high fives out of Uwais.

Source: aidanjamesloo on Instagram

Uwais’ father then helped to hold him firmly on a wooden stool while Aidan gently introduced his shavers.

He lets the boy hear and feel the vibration first, even using it against his own skin to reassure Uwais.

Parents and therapists guide boy through sensory fears

Source: aidanjamesloo on Instagram

Uwais initially covered his ears and kicked about wildly, seeming distressed.

The boy’s parents tried coaxing him to “just a little bit try”, while a therapist coached Uwais through “rainbow breathing” when he tried to squirm away.

With this, he was eventually able to ask to try the shaver by himself.

It was still a struggle, as Uwais continued to kick and cry while Aidan trimmed his hair.

In the end, they completed the haircut by using a countdown to help Uwais power through the shaving.

Aidan went on to express his admiration for the parents’ patience.

Boy beams with pride after fresh trim

Source: aidanjamesloo on Instagram

After a quick shower inside, Uwais dashed back out to the corridor in fresh pyjamas, all smiles.

He high-fived Aidan and even blew kisses toward the camera, and made a heart shape with his arms.

He poses happily with Aidan and his family members for a picture at the end of the video.

A meaningful challenge

MS News reached out to Aidan to get more of his thoughts about the day.

Speaking to MS News, Aidan shared that Uwais’ “bravery to keep wanting to try to get a haircut” was what struck him most about the experience.

“It was quite obvious that the clippers were giving him a sensory overload,” he said.

Although it was not his first time working with children with special needs, it was still a challenge due to the “crying, kicking and screaming”.

He also lists staying calm as a main obstacle, “mainly for the parents, who struggle the most”.

Aidan mentions “not wanting them to feel bad too” as one of his concerns when working with such families.

At one point in the video, Uwais’ father can be heard apologising to Aidan during a break. The barber quickly reassured him that no apology was necessary.

Source: aidanjamesloo Instagram

When asked if he would return to cut Uwais’ hair again, Aidan explained that he “[does not] normally give haircuts out more than once”.

“I want to be able to reach as many people as possible and let more people have a chance to get a haircut by me,” he added.

However, he did not completely rule out the possibility, saying:

But who knows! He has a beautiful and loving family

Aidan also expressed his gratitude to AusömeTöts, an organisation specialising in special needs care for children, for referring Uwais’ family to him.

Netizens resonate with kind act

In the comments section, many viewers shared their lived experiences as parents raising autistic children and navigating the challenges of parenthood.