Wow! Had to share....

[laurasnowbird]

OK, Ethan got a haircut today. Before his cut, I sat him in my lap in the waiting area, doing some joint compression, deep pressure to his arms and hands, and some scalp massage.

When his stylist came out, I asked her to use very firm pressure in all that she did with him. I told her that I wanted her to kind of "pull" his hair as she was separating pieces to cut. Should have seen the look on her face, LOL! When she began, I sat him on my lap facing me while she cut the back, and held his face between my hands, putting pressure on his face while she cut. When she did the front, and he was facing away from me, I held his hand and applied deep pressure to his palms. When she got out the clippers (he has NEVER allowed anyone to use the clippers to clean up the fuzzies on his neck) I asked her to use firm pressure with those too.

Now, I gotta tell ya, it wasn't a perfect experience, and he still wasn't HAPPY about it, but it was the most trouble-free haircut we have EVER had. I was amazed at the difference. So was she. I think we can safely presume that the light touch that a hairstylist uses is almost painful for Ethan (and maybe for many others of our kids!) and a firmer touch gives him the input he needs.

Just had to share! I am so thrilled, because I knew he wasn't behaving this way to be a brat, it just took me a long time to figure it out. I hope it helps some of the rest of you guys too!

[Emilysmom]

That's wonderful Laura! I'm so glad you figured this out for Ethan...........and I'm guessing it really will help others too!

Susan

[Cbean]

Very cool Laura. Isn't amazing when the light gets turned on?

[CC]

Hmmm K, Laura I am gonna go pull hard on Christopher's hair tomorrow and see

ALL kidding aside, very cool for you guys cause it took us till 12 years old before he would sit and get his hair cut

WTG ETHAN ;D

CC ~

[Pat]

All Right Ethan ;D
I cut John-John's in the tub. Seems to work for him. He even sat for my friend, a hairdresser, for awhile (I used to hold him in a death grip when she cut his hair). I'm so glad you found what Ethan needs!!
Pat

[momofrussell]

WELL.. I'd call the SUCCESSFUL then!!!! WOOHOO! I'd take that haircut experience too then!

WTG Ethan!!!!!!

A.

[Jessie]

WTG Ethan!!!! Not only was it better for you and the hairdresser, but it probably seemed good to Ethan not to get all worked up - even if he can't tell you that! He's probably thinking - THANKS MOM YOU ARE THE BEST!


Jessie

[Chester]

Hmmmm, very interesting.

JT LOVES joint compressions, you maybe on to something. I will give your theory a try.

Dawn

[andrewsmom]

OK...had to reply to this. I also do brush therapy with Andrew (as well as the joint compressions). We do it every morning and every night.
The day before Easter, I just HAD to cut Andrew's hair. I remembered the post on applying more pressure so I thought I'd give it a try. It actually worked out pretty good, he still wasn't happy but better then usual.
After reading this thread, I realize I cut his hair after I did his brush therapy also!!! So, maybe the combination of doing both is a good thing...kwim? It worked for you and it worked for me. Hey...I don't at all mind doing the brushing right before we cut his hair. whatever works!
Thanks for the post Laura!!

-Trisha

[momofrussell]

Well, I have to post again on here to thank you for starting this thread. On another site I go to this all helped me talk more about this stuff and sensory issues, ect... so THANKS! I love to share the wealth with info like this!!!

A.