A Welsh barber has been praised the world over for his dedication – and his patience – in giving an autistic boy a sorely needed haircut.
Little Mason, who had been recently diagnosed with autism, had a difficult time getting a haircut because he had anxiety about letting people touch his head.
Luckily for Mason and his parents, there was a barber in town who was up to the challenge.
James Williams, from West Glamorgan, gave Mason his haircut over a period of several months (yes, months) because he was discovering different ways to cut hair without triggering Mason’s anxiety.
But where there is a will, there is a way!
James finally struck the perfect balance between himself and Mason, lying down on the salon floor, James inconspicuously snipped away at Mason’s hair while the boy occupied himself on a smartphone.
Gently giving the boy a haircut without disturbing him, James proved himself a worthy hairdresser.
Posting his achievement to Facebook, the barber wrote, “Mason who few months ago got diagnosed with ASD, Jamie [and] Denine got recommended to me so over last few month I have been attempting to find different ways how to cut Mason’s hair, he wouldn’t allow me to go near one of his ears he would run away on times if he wasn’t up to it.”
“But today I finally achieved it where we both layed [sic] on the floor in silence [and] he allowed me to cut away [and] give him his first proper haircut, again achieving something in a job I love making both parents happy by giving extra attention to Mason by building a friendship at trust with Mason [and] myself,” wrote James.
“What gave the finishing touch I asked for a high [five], he hugged me. True barber love!” he wrote.
Later, speaking to TODAY.com, James explained why he posted the photos, which have already gained 12,000 likes and 3,200 shares.
“When I posted the photos, I just wanted to show an achievement,” he told TODAY.com.
“The experience was amazing, and after I [lay] on the floor to cut [Mason’s] hair, I just had to post it to humor myself. I just couldn’t believe I was cutting hair in that position,” said the 26-year-old.
“Mason is a happy child,” said James, “When he comes to my shop, he plays on his phone which seems to calm him and take his mind off everything else.”
But James doesn’t think his dedication and perseverance with Mason sets him apart too far.
“There are so many other barber/stylists that know how to work with ASD,” said James, “They deserve the credit as much as me. I’m just thrilled to have put my village on the map and to [have reached] so many family’s heart.”
But he thinks Mason is the true star.
“Mason is the superstar for [taking] such a great step [by] having his first proper haircut,” said James.
