While most of us want nothing to do with people who are suffering from Autism, there is one guy who is helping families with autistic kids in his own way. James Williams, or as his barber shop in Britton Ferry, South Wales says, Jim the Trim, was finding it impossible to cut hair for Mason Lewis, a four-year-old child who had recently been diagnosed with ASD. Williams had tried several things, but all his efforts went in vain as he was never able to give Mason a decent haircut. The kid would simply run away when James tried to go near one of his years if he was not feeling too great about it.
But rather than giving up on his disabled client, James found an innovative solution to this problem – going down to the child’s level. One day, as little Mason laid on the floor silently minding his own business, James laid beside him, trimming his locks one after the other. That is how Mason got his first proper haircut ever in his life.
James’ customer was so impressed by his work that after the haircut, he gave him a thank-you hug.
As Mason and James’ story went viral on the internet, more and more parents got in touch with the barber so their autistic child could also get a haircut from this thoughtful barber. James now runs ‘Autism Sunday’ sessions at his own salon for children who have the disability. People even travel up to 150 miles just to get a haircut for their loved one from James.
Good deeds by James Williams did not end just there. The award-winning barber is now also on a mission to help autistic children across the UK have a positive hair-cutting experience. He has set up a charity called 'Autism Barbers Assemble' which is aimed at raising awareness among barbers on how to cut hair for autistic children. He not only wants his clients to be happy but wants to do something for kids with the same condition to be happy when they get a haircut. Through his Facebook page, he also shares information regarding barber shops where people can get similar haircuts for their autistic family members.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that, among other things, affects an individual’s ability to interact and communicate with others. It is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the US, which now affects one in every 68 children. Though research has been going on for years, doctors still have not been able to find any cure for it. Only someone who has a loved one suffering from it can understand how difficult life can be with this ailment. Even trivial tasks like eating can become exponentially difficult with this disorder.
James’ actions are an inspiration for all of us. Who could think a barber could make life a little easier for an autistic child and his family? If he can do that, why can’t the rest of us? You do not necessarily have to go out searching for ways you can help someone. Just do not miss an opportunity, if it comes your way.
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