Local barber who is also a registered behavior therapist offers sensory‑friendly haircuts for children with disabilities

Liam Douglas, a barber and registered behavior therapist, told the group he offers sensory‑friendly haircuts for children and adults with disabilities and uses behavior‑therapy techniques to make the experience tolerable and predictable.

Douglas said he first worked at a clinic (Hope Bridge) collaborating with occupational therapy on desensitization to vibration, then left in‑clinic work to attend barber school. He now operates under the name Out of This World Cuts at KK's Hair Today and accepts clients with a range of abilities. "Each kid is allotted an hour of my time. And if it goes over, it goes over," Douglas said. "I schedule out an hour, so there's no conflict of schedule. And the kids have plenty of time to play, get comfortable."

Why it matters: families and clinicians told the group they struggle to find barbers who can accommodate sensory sensitivities or trauma related to prior haircut experiences. Douglas described concrete steps intended to reduce sensory distress: a pre‑appointment consultation, gradual introduction of vibration using low‑intensity devices (for example, an electric toothbrush or a vibrating toy), allowing a child to touch equipment before it is used, sensory boxes and planned breaks. "I always kinda like, I'll buzz myself with it, and I'll be like, oh, it tickles," he said. "I'll just start with her feet. We're gonna not even get close to the head yet. And so I just work my way up."

Douglas said some clients initially require lengthy at‑home sessions; he gave one example of a child who moved from a 2½‑hour home haircut to a 15‑minute shop visit after progressing through his approach. He said he mixes techniques learned as a behavior therapist with barbering, tailors each session to the child's motivators (snacks or toys), and keeps a flexible pace: "I show them everything. So it's no surprise."

Logistics and referrals: Douglas said he sees clients by appointment (one‑hour blocks) and that mornings are typically available when he can travel to sites; he described being willing to provide mobile service. He encouraged families to share detailed information at booking and to re‑check preferences when clients rebook because behaviors and tolerances can change. Chairperson Britney Crane and other attendees agreed to share Douglas's information on the group's Facebook page and to forward it to the Autism Society of Indiana and local school counselors. Douglas said his Facebook page is a primary contact method and left business cards for follow‑up.

Funding and growth plans: Douglas said his long‑term goal is a converted bus or van to operate a mobile shop and asked the group for connections or leads to resources and funding. The attendees suggested contacts (for example, Braun Mobility was mentioned as a potential lead) and said they would keep an eye out for donated vehicles or funding opportunities. No formal funding request or board action was taken at the meeting.

What remains unresolved: Douglas requested connections and support to scale his mobile service; the group agreed to share his contact information and to notify school counselors and clinics that might refer families. No formal vote or commitment to financial support was made.