By Niall Christie

A BARRHEAD barber is leading the way in his industry through his work with the autistic community.

Davie Walker, who runs the popular Davie The Barber business, is a member of the Autism Barbers Assemble organisation, which offers safe spaces for those with the condition to get their hair cut.

Along with a number of colleagues across the UK, Davie opens up his store after hours to provide an opportunity for families to come in without fear of being judged.

He said: “We’re just trying to get the message out there and cut the stigma attached to autism.

“People with autism often show no physical signs of disability, but you wouldn’t turn away someone in a wheelchair, so what is the difference?

“Some people aren’t interested in taking the time to learn what can be done but I have kids myself and I’m willing to do something to help another family.”

Among those to benefit from the arrangement is local boy Blair Deighan, who has autism and is non-verbal.

He has been visiting Davie’s shop regularly, building up a trust with the barber and becoming more comfortable with the surroundings.

To make the experience as painless as it can be for Blair, he often goes when the shop is closed to the public, with lights dimmed and music off.

Reducing the sensory stimulations can improve the experience significantly for those with autism, with experts claiming the sensory overload of a full haircut can be as painful as getting a tattoo for those with the condition.

This has had a big impact on Blair, as he and Davie have formed a close bond in recent months.

Davie added: “With guys like Blair, all it takes is a bit of patience.

“Some kids have sensory issues and it can mean they are in extreme pain when getting their hair cut. It is petrifying for them and it breaks your heart.

“The work with Blair has gone a long way. In our last session you could see him holding my hand as a gesture to me. I was really touched by it. Now we have a bond.”

After attempts to cut Blair’s hair themselves, as well as a period of it being cut in school, Blair’s family turned to Davie.

Davie has since worked through trust exercises with Blair, trading gifts, using a comb gently, now working up to a full haircut.

Blair’s mum, Fiona, said: “You can see the big difference that this has made to Blair. We have had hairdressers walk out on us before and that can be distressing.

“What Davie does is really amazing and it needs to be recognised.

“It may seem like a little thing to most people but, for someone with autism and their family, going to the barber can be a very traumatic experience.

“Hopefully other parents will see this and realise there are people who will help and take the time to understand how a child like Blair could be feeling.”