When you go somewhere and get good service, you usually return to that business.
That’s why 16-year-old Evan O’Dwyer has been getting his haircut by Donncha O’Connell at the Baldy Barber in Blackpool, Ireland for the last 14 years.
Donncha always helps Evan, who has severe autism, to feel at ease when the teen is sitting in his chair.
“It’s great when you have a brilliant barber and who totally understand autism and who will go to any lengths to make your child feel comfortable,” a post on Evan’s Facebook page reads.
There was one particular day where Evan didn’t want to get into that chair and Donncha had to not only go above and beyond to calm Evan, but he also had to go outside.
“Evan is 16 and is nonverbal and severe on the autism spectrum,” Evan’s mo, Deirdre O’Connell told Yahoo Beauty. “He [has been] going to Donncha for the last 14 years but had issues on Monday, so he wasn’t going to sit in the barber’s chair and was getting very anxious and agitated. The haircut had started, so we had to finish it.”
Thankfully, Donncha came up with the perfect solution and saved the day.
The barber suggested that he finish cutting Evan’s hair in the family’s car so that he would be more relaxed.
According to Deirdre, the car is Evan’s “happy place.
Evan’s big brother Dylan also helped by reassuring and coaxing Evan into the vehicle.
Donncha’s plan worked perfectly thanks to a little team work.
Donncha, Evan, and Evan’s brother all climbed into the family’s car to finish Evan’s haircut.
“He had his haircut, and he was fine and happy,” said Deirdre.
Deidre was so touched by Donncha’s gesture of kindness that she posted about it on Facebook.
That post ended up going viral and Evan and Donncha’s story was shared on various media outlets.
Many praised Donncha for taking the time to care for someone who was struggling.
“Oh, for more people like that to bless others!!! Thank you for the barber, and bless the boy,” wrote one person on Facebook.
“What a thoughtful, kind act by this wonderfully compassionate barber,” and another.
Lots of people on the internet shared how they experienced similar situations with their autistic children.
“I love to hear stories like this as it’s just so difficult for a child on the spectrum to have a haircut. Thankfully we found an amazing barber like these lads who is amazing with my son who also has autism,” wrote Facebook user Laura Driver Franey.
Driver’s son had to be wrapped in a duvet in order to withstand a haircut, which broke his parents heart to have to do.
But that all changed when they met a caring barber named Mick.
“For the first time in 9 years on his last haircut my son sat by himself and never flinched … It’s amazing when u come across [an] amazing barber like this. We would be lost without him, and he told us that’s what makes his job worthwhile, seeing what he can do to help a child with [autism].”
Deirdre said she never expected that sharing the story would raise awareness.
“The reason I shared it was because our lives are challenging every day, and just that one kind and simple gesture made my little boy’s life so much easier, and we avoided a meltdown,” she said.
“We hear about horrible stories every day, and I just wanted to share that we have unsung heroes in our community. I never believed it would get this reaction, but with the [number] of parents who have contacted me to thank me for sharing and raising [awareness], I feel I’m doing a little to help others in our situation.”
Check out Deidre’s post below.
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