He managed his money well and got a great haircut for himself.
People on the autism spectrum have more trouble than neurotypical people with doing everyday things. They often have to plan ahead and take care of their own safety, and their caretakers have to think of everything that could go wrong. But even if all you do is go to the barbershop by yourself for the first time, that’s a big step forward. Selina, a mother, recently posted a touching video of her autistic son’s first trip to the barbershop.
People have watched the young man’s TikTok video over 2.3 million times and praised his efforts to live on his own. Joshua tells his mother that he wants to go to the barbershop at the beginning of the video. The boy’s mother gives him two five-pound bills ($12) and tells him he can go. Joshua goes outside with the money in his hands and a black jacket on. “You need to put the money in your pocket so that you don’t lose it.” she tells him. He puts the money away in his pocket right away.
The video moves on to Joshua coming back from getting a haircut. He looks great with his new look. For neurotypical people, this seems like a small thing, but for someone with autism, it’s a great task that gives them a sense of independence and confidence. People on TikTok praised Joshua in the comments for getting a haircut on his own.”Seeing autistic young people be independent gives me so much hope for my younger brother.” Another added, “I have an autistic son. He’s only 15 but he couldn’t do this he has no sense of danger. This has made me smile that this young man managed to go there and back without any problems.”
A third user said, “I’ve seen the way Nigerian mums care for their children with special needs, it’s fascinating to me because they raise them to be so independent.” Another commented, “Heartwarming. Love the bit when you tell him to put the money in his pocket. Proud mum moment.” Selina posts a few videos of Joshua trying to live as independently as possible. You can see him doing his chores, going shopping, making breakfast, and going to church. All of these videos are very touching and show that autistic people can live full lives with the right care and help.
Joshua, who is autistic, goes to the barbershop for the first time on his own! Great job to Mom & Joshua.
— GoodNewsCorrespondent (@GoodNewsCorres1) January 4, 2023
(🎥:selinajoshuasmum)
pic.twitter.com/qDy4SqkA3q
In another touching video, a mother caught her autistic 4-year-old son saying “mama” for the first time. The child keeps calling his mother “mama,” which makes the child’s mother look surprised. He touched her on the shoulder when she asked, “Where is mommy?” She’s crying as she tells her son over and over to say it again. Many people on Reddit were moved to tears by this sweet and touching event, and many of them took to the comments to say thank you.
Caregivers get a lot of joy from seeing their children with special needs do even the smallest things.