The Grafton Barber has launched Ireland's first autism-friendly barbershop in Walkinstown, Dublin. Designed by Amanda Masterson, a mother of a child with autism, the shop includes a specially created sensory room to help reduce anxiety and sensory overload for children with autism spectrum disorder. The room features sensory equipment like a bubble tube, mood cubes, and toys for distraction. Masterson hopes to expand this concept to other locations, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing inclusivity in everyday experiences for neurodiverse children.
The reason I wanted to get the sensory room in is because my own daughter was diagnosed with autism. I've been nine years in business and wanted to do something slightly different.
It's not really just about lowering the music or the lights - there's a lot more to it. I wanted to go that little bit of a step further for an actual room.
I've got a wall built, just a door on it, and then all the sensory equipment is in it. There's a bubble tube, there are mood cubes, I have a chair in there as well to cut hair.
I don't just think that this is going to be a success, I know it will be. So I plan to roll it out as well.
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