Wigan hairdresser ‘incredible’ for helping autistic boy, mum says

The mother of an autistic teenager who found it almost impossible to endure a haircut has praised a hairdresser for his “incredible” effort to build his trust.

Joanne Bourne said getting her 13-year-old son Harry’s hair cut would quickly make him feel “overwhelmed” and had always been a “huge, huge problem” ever since his diagnosis 10 years ago.

But she has heaped praise on hairdresser Matthew Wood, who works at Forty Vic St in Wigan, after he took it upon himself to rise to the challenge.

“It’s the feeling, it’s the sounds, feeling overwhelmed. He’d be crying, he’d be screaming, his hands are over his ears – It’s heartbreaking,” Joanne said.

Joanne mentioned her troubles to Matthew, who offered to help.

Now, after building Harry’s trust with various different techniques including sensory toys, getting a trim is far less stressful.

“I was really nervous and really didn’t know what to expect at all. He was crying quite a lot and it was quite traumatic at the start,” Matthew said.

“But gradually over time it’s just got better and better and I think I’ve built a really good bond and connection up with Harry now, he trusts me.”

Matthew’s ideas including letting Harry hold a brush with a feather attached, playing with a bottle of spray for the mirror and even following him around as he rides around on a hoverboard.

Both Joanne and Matthew have posted updates about Harry’s journey online and have both had a big reaction, especially from the families of autistic children.

Joanne said: “I think what is lovely for parents watching our journey is that things are possible, you know, there is hope there.

“Matthew is incredible and deserves all the credit for the time, the patience, the effort, every little thing he’s paid attention to.

“A lot would have said ‘it’s not for me this’, but he’s built that relationship and that rapport with Harry which I don’t think everybody has got that ability to do, and Matt has got this amazing awareness with Harry, and I am forever grateful for that.”