In a touching video shared on Instagram, a 6-year-old boy who has autism was seen getting his hair cut by a barber dedicated to making the experience enjoyable.
Jackson is seen in the video standing up while Ree playfully runs back and forth with him while skillfully cutting his hair. The 6-year-old, who doesn't like loud noises or hair to touch him, appeared to be up for the challenge, keeping up with Ree.
In the video, listeners can also hear Ree reason and reassure Jackson during his haircut.
Jackson's mom, LaQuista Erinna, posted the video with a caption, expressing her appreciation for the barber.
"@expozdcutz (put some respeck on her name) has been a blessing to my family. When your kid is on the spectrum, people don’t want to be bothered," she said. "She’s always been so patient and kind to Jack-Jack. Yesterday was an epic meltdown. I usually have to do some coaching to get him in the chair. He will put on his headphones, and we power through. Yesterday he forgot his headphones, and it went downhill fast."
"He refused to sit in the chair and just lost it. Ree noticed his Super Mario bro hoodie (he’s low-key obsessed) and told him that he needed to save Mario by making sure no hair gets on him. She cut his hair while he moved and ran around the shop. His smile at the end was priceless," she continued.
Erinna also created a GoFundMe campaign to support Ree's work with children with special needs.
"I was so moved by the patience and care provided to my son, and I decided to record. I had no idea that the video would go viral or so many parents of kids on the spectrum would reach out to me share their story. Our barber, Ree, has been a blessing to our family since we moved back to GA. Getting haircuts can be scary and even traumatizing for someone with ASD. She nurtured this relationship and gained his trust. Haircuts are still scary for Jack Jack, but we try to make it as comfortable as possible, and we NEVER force him to get a cut," Erinna said in a comment under the video shared on YouTube.
Another person commented and said they were touched by Ree's compassion, patience and love toward Jackson.
