(Henderson, Nevada) -- Hair stylist Stacie Skillman knows what it's like to take your child with special needs to get a haircut. Her eldest son Jordan is non-verbal and has autism.
"It was always a struggle to get him a haircut. A lot of it boils down to sensory issues and patience. A lot of people just don't have patience. That haircut can (normally) take 20-30 minutes...can take an hour to an hour and a half. You may need special lighting, you may need a special chair, you may need something special on TV..." Stacie explains.
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Stacie decided to make a difference. In 2022, Stacie Skillman opened Nevada's only barbershop, 101 Barbershop, that offers free haircuts to people with special needs or who are on the autism spectrum.
Every Tuesday, parents or caregivers make appointments and bring their loved in for a sensory-approved haircut. 101 Barbershop has served more than a thousand people with autism and special needs.
Having your hair cut when you're on the autism spectrum can be overwhelming. The buzzing of the clippers may be bothersome requiring very special barbers.
"All my barbers that I employ, they either have someone who is connected to a special need; a family member, or someone who has autism," Stacie confirms. "My barbers are spectacular. They really pour love, compassion and attention into what they do."
On Tuesdays, however, all of her barbers donate their time between 12 and 4pm . There is one condition, however.
"The only thing I ask is that an appointment be made so that everyone gets in and gets a spot," Stacie explains.
The support has been amazing.
"We love our little superheroes that come in," Stacie shares. "We love our families, we love our community. It's all just a big blessing right now. We can't ask for anything more."
The community has come alongside of 101 Barbershop and their Autism Tuesdays in a big way.
"The city of Henderson honored us as a hero because of what we do, and we've gotten accolades from both governors' (of Nevada) office, the mayor has reached out, other businesses that work with people with autism...they've been very supportive with anything that we need..."
101 Barbershop also promotes literacy and has always had a mini-library in the shop. Now, they've partnered with the Clark County Library to have access to books that are appropriate for people with special needs (sensory books, books that "talk" etc.).
Stacie explains, "A lot of kids come in and want to be catered to in a world that doesn't cater to them. So when they sit down and they get to read or you get to read to them, it's amazing. The feeling that they get and those smiles, you can't beat it."
What's been the most special part for Stacie?
"Happy children. When you can give a baby a haircut and you give them that mirror and they're totally different and they don't understand why they're different but they're just happy. Or when they say 'I want a regular haircut' and the barber goes the extra mile and puts a design in it and they see that. That right there makes me overwhelmed with joy."