Autism Pensacola shared this story of a special event held at Best of the Coast winner Volume ONE:
“Five-year-old Hastings began his haircut in the salon chair. But he very quickly moved to the couch. Then he was upside down in a chair. Then on the floor watching his iPad. But none of that phased his stylist, Gabby. She just moved when Hastings moved. And by the end of his time at Volume ONE, he left with a sweet haircut and a very happy mom.”
Volume ONE, in partnership with Autism Pensacola and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), hosted its first sensory-friendly haircut experience Oct. 23. The private event offered the families who participated a quiet, personalized experience at the Best of the Coast salon.
Hastings’s mom, Jena Sudderth, said, “The staff at the salon were so wonderful! They made our week by not only giving him (Hastings) a great haircut but by having the patience and smiles that made us so comfortable. Gabby is now someone we will see on a regular basis because of her kindness and professionalism.â€
For information on training for your salon staff, contact CARD at rita.lung@med.fsu.edu. To set up a salon event, contact API at jessica@autismpensacola.org.