Derbyshire Barber Focuses on Supporting Autistic Clients

While many individuals consider a haircut a routine activity, it can present a significant challenge for people with autism. A barber in Derbyshire has now dedicated himself to alleviating these concerns for clients and their families. Adam Farmer, a 33-year-old mobile barber based in Long Eaton, has gained considerable online attention following the release of a video clip depicting his method for cutting the hair of a young boy with autism. Mr. Farmer, who holds a qualification in understanding autism, stated his approach involves communicating with clients to ensure they “feel comfortable with him”. The video featuring Mr. Farmer has accumulated over 800,000 views. With 15 years of experience as a barber, he pursued and obtained an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism in July 2023. Mr. Farmer explained his motivation: “I had a lot of experience in cutting kids’ and adults’ hair with autism, I just wanted to learn a bit more about it and get more of an understanding on how it feels for them and what can be done to make them feel more comfortable.” He added, “Having new people come near their heads and being in busy places like a barber shop can be a very uncomfortable experience.” The National Autistic Society (NAS) reported that approximately 700,000 individuals in the UK are on the autism spectrum. This condition is described as a lifelong developmental disability that impacts how people communicate, learn, interact with others, and behave. Christine Flintoft-Smith, representing the NAS, indicated that sensory experiences, including haircuts, can pose difficulties for some autistic individuals. She elaborated, “Autistic people might be overwhelmed by bright lights, loud music or noise from hairdryers, strong smells of hair product, or their head being touched by a person they may not be familiar with.” Regarding his approach to accommodating diverse client needs, Mr. Farmer stated: “I’ve got a lot of patience and I give more time in my diary cutting hair with clients with autism or additional needs. “I go in and see what the client is doing, whether that be on an iPad or playing with something. “I try and communicate to them about what they are doing, so they feel comfortable with me.” He also mentioned, “I like posting little stories and journeys with different clients on social media, especially with ones that hated having haircuts to now liking them.” Tim, a 49-year-old resident of Beeston, Nottinghamshire, is the father of six-year-old Beau, the child featured in Mr. Farmer’s widely circulated video. Tim characterized Mr. Farmer’s method with his autistic son as “simple, respectful and patient.” Tim commented, “What Adam provides is an invaluable change to what you get in public.” He continued, “As a parent, it gives you that sense you are being recognised by someone, rather than being an outcast of society. “You want to care for your child like any other parent would, so getting a haircut so they can look like other children is so huge.” Tim concluded, “Adam gives time and validates Beau as a person and respects he is someone that needs more patience, I imagine all children warm to him.”