Certain “everyday” activities can be difficult for a person with autism, including getting a haircut. A West Virginia mom named Jennifer McCafferty knew this very well because of how much her four-year-old son, Isaiah, struggled with the process.
One evening she took him to a Sports Clips salon in Charleston expecting to run into many challenges. While her predictions were correct – it’s how the stylist responded that left her blown away.
McCafferty is the mother of two sons with Isaiah (who’s autistic) being the youngest.
In an interview with HuffPost, she explained that Isaiah has a big heart and a “beautiful soul.” She also said:
“He is everything that you would want your child to be. He’s fun and full of energy. He’s sweet and kind, and ridiculously funny. He loves with everything he has.”
Isaiah sounds like your typical great kid. However, not everything’s easy for him because of his autism – and haircuts would lead to meltdowns.
McCafferty shared in a Facebook post that her son despised “having anything near his ears.” In fact, just the simple buzzing sound from clippers caused him to get upset.
A Sports Clips hairdresser named Kaylen got to experience first-hand how bothered Isaiah was about having his hair cut.
But instead of throwing in the towel because he was melting down – she stayed calm and was empathetic. McCafferty told HuffPost that Kaylen didn’t react to his screams and “understood his fears.” When she realized that the four-year-old needed to head down to the floor – that’s where they both went.
Isaiah’s mom couldn’t believe her eyes and was deeply touched by the sight.
Kaylen cut her son’s hair right there on the ground, all while talking to him about things like Christmas, the lovable character Dory, and according to Inside Edition – his older brother Alex. McCafferty was able to snap photos of the heartwarming scene that left tears in her eyes.
The West Virginia mom decided to share their incredible experience online. She started her Facebook post saying:
“This woman, Kaylen, at Sports Clips in Charleston did more for my heart than she will probably ever realize.”
After explaining some details about Isaiah’s troubles with haircuts, she wrote:
“…this evening was no different. I was ready to give up, but she wasn’t. She sat on the floor with my baby in her lap, and she cut his hair. They talked about Dory and Christmas, and she even let him spray her with her water bottle. Autism can be so very, very hard, but people like this make our days just a little easier.”
This woman, Kaylen, at Sports Clips in Charleston did more for my heart than she will probably ever realize. Haircuts…
Posted by Jennifer McCafferty on Thursday, December 29, 2016
It’s a story so sweet that it went viral and has pulled on a lot of heartstrings.
Numerous parents of autistic children have even shared their own personal experiences in the comments section on social media.
For McCafferty, she was hopeful that their story would be inspiring to moms and dads who also have special needs children. She told HuffPost:
“I want them to realize that even though it can feel like it, they are not alone. I want everyone to see just how much love and kindness matter.”
Being a parent isn’t an easy role, which is why we can all use a little help sometimes. Kaylen taking the time and patience to work with Isaiah was an act of kindness his mom will always remember.
Watch the video below to see Inside Edition’s cover of the beautiful story!
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