The barber on a mission to support autistic clients

Sitting down for a haircut is something many people would not think twice about, but for those with autism it can be a daunting experience.

Now, one Derbyshire barber has made it his mission to ease the worries of clients and their families.

Adam Farmer, a mobile barber from Long Eaton, has become well known online after a video clip was released showing how he cut the hair of a young boy with autism.

The 33-year-old, who has a qualification in understanding autism, said he tried to communicate with his clients so they "feel comfortable with him".

Mr Farmer, whose clip has been viewed more than 800,000 times, has been a barber for 15 years and decided to gain a NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism in July 2023.

"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," said Mr Farmer.

"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) said there were about 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK, which is a lifelong developmental disability affecting how people communicate, learn, interact with others and behave.

Christine Flintoft-Smith, from the NAS, said sensory activities such as getting haircut could be challenging for some autistic people.

"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," she added.

On how he handles different clients' needs, Mr Farmer said: "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.

"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, 49, from Beeston in Nottinghamshire, is the father of six-year-old Beau, who was featured in Mr Farmer's viral video.

Tim said Mr Farmer's approach with his autistic son was "simple, respectful and patient".

"What Adam provides is an invaluable change to what you get in public," he said.

"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.

"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."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.