Incredible story behind video of autistic boy's haircut
A Queensland hairdresser has gone the extra mile to help a boy with autism, investing two years of patience to ensure he sits through a haircut.
Barber Lisa Ann McKenzie of Rothwell, north of Brisbane, first met 12-year-old Jordie and his parents two years ago.
Jordie, who is non-verbal, has come full circle since his first haircut by Ms McKenzie after she took the time to learn what he liked and what he didn't like.
She said the first haircuts were tough because it was unusual to Jordie, leaving him crying or unhappy and also usually leaving him with half a haircut.
"I know enough about autism that the kids that have it need routine and consistency in their lives, and they generally aren't likely to let people in," Ms McKenzie told Yahoo7.
"I've always had a strong connection with kids and I hate to see them in pain so I love that Jordie is happy now."
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Ms McKenzie posted a video to her business Facebook page The Celtic Barber Rothwell Central of Jordie receiving his second full haircut.
It has since received over 45,000 views. The video shows Jordie interacting with Ms McKenzie as they sing a song together while she cuts his hair.
Ms McKenzie, who cuts the hair of between 30 and 40 children with autism, said she has a process of remembering who likes what and what they don't like by writing notes next to their name in her book.
"I've just educated myself over time and do what I can to make them happy," she said.
While it took close to two years for Jordie to feel comfortable getting a haircut, Ms McKenzie believes it was all worth it.
"It's the best feeling in the world and the reason why I get up every morning and still want to do this job," she said.
"The first time I fully completed his cut, his mother and father were in tears which is funny because usually it is Jordie in tears, but he was fine."
Jordie's father, Bruce Rowland, told the ABC Ms McKenzie is "remarkable".
"To be available to help parents that go through the trauma of giving a child a haircut is quite remarkable," he said.
Ms McKenzie has since opted to open her salon one Sunday a month so she can cut all her clients' hair that have autism.
"It's a small sacrifice to help so many people," she said.
