Barber Travels Eight Hours To Cut Boy With Autism's Hair Because He Won't Let Anyone Else Cut It

Boy With Autism Hates Haircuts, Barber Travels 8 Hours To Solve The Problem
|

A barber who helped an eight-year-old boy with autism learn to love haircuts made an eight-hour drive to cut his hair after the boy moved house.

Michael Flores was consistently running away from the hairdressers until he found one barber, Freddy Tineo, who befriended the boy and cut his hair with no problem.

However the family, who were originally from New Jersey made the announcement they were moving to Virginia in May, which left Michael with no hairdresser.

Speaking to HuffPost UK Parents, Michael's mum Joan Flores, said: "Freddy has just made the trip here. It was his idea.

"He stayed for the day at our new house. We had a barbeque with family and friends. He traveled from New Jersey to Virigina. It is about an eight-hour drive. No words can properly express my gratitude."

Open Image Modal

Michael and Freddy before his haircut

The hairdresser said when he found out the family were leaving, he made a promise to visit the eight-year-old.

Tineo was known for laughing and joking with Michael, and giving him a "lick of colour" to his hair, which he loved.

Writing on her blog, The Ausome Family, Mrs Flores said she was overwhelmed the barber fulfilled his promise.

Open Image Modal

Michael mid-haircut

In the blog post, Mrs Flores said the barber and his partner travelled after he had closed his barbers, leaving at 9.30pm and arriving at the house at 5am.

She added: "After a couple hours' of sleep, Freddy got down to business.

"Even though the venue changed and he was cutting Michael’s hair in my backyard, nothing else changed. There were lots of laughs. Michael made sure to remind Freddy to not cut his ears off.

"That is a reminder Freddy gets every time from Michael, from day one. And he sat, as he has from their first meeting and let Freddy cut his hair."

Open Image Modal

Michael getting his haircut before he moved.

Writing a note to Mrs Flores on Facebook, before he made the trip, Tineo wrote: "Some clients are clients, some clients become friends, some clients become family.

"I thank God I had the opportunity to meet Joan Leigh Flores and her family and gratefully consider them part of mine."

Flores continues to blog on 'This Ausome Family' about life with a son with autism and his two siblings.

This Is Autism
Bianca(01 of21)
Open Image Modal
gio613:
Bianca is a music fan (will even dance to commercials) who absolutely loves Elmo and Mickey Mouse. She cannot live without her iPad and touchscreen PC (she wonders why everything is not touch, as evidenced by her constantly touching all screens). She is a devout fan of chips and chicken nuggets loves to laugh and hug. You will probably find her relaxing at home and asking for tickles!
Our family at the White House Easter Egg Roll(02 of21)
Open Image Modal
LisaLightnerLL:
This is Kevin at the White House Egg Roll. He likes to do what all American kids do, he just needs some extra help!
Remy(03 of21)
Open Image Modal
ktrayn78:
Our son Remy is almost three years old. He loves joking around with his Poppo, playing in the tub, and racing his cars. He smiles almost all day long and is the light of our lives.
Jude(04 of21)
Open Image Modal
Kimwstafford:
This is Jude. He is 7 years old and has autism. He also has a big and sensitive heart, an insatiable curiosity, a love of adventure and a hard working spirit. And we love him just the way he is.
This is Autism(05 of21)
Open Image Modal
Laura McNemee:
This is JacobHe loves nature, long walks (more like runs), jumping on his trampoline, Toy Story, and cuddling with MommyWhen he looks at me I feel like he has jumped into my soulHe has opened up my eyes to what life really is.He is Autism
Brodie J.(06 of21)
Open Image Modal
Erica Lee 01129:
This is Brodie J. He loves anything car related. Has a collection of over 100 Hot Wheels (and counting). This is what Autism looks like...Handsome!!!
Luke(07 of21)
Open Image Modal
yrlbaker:
Luke means "light giving" in Latin. His smile lights up a room. He loves to laugh and loves hugs and tickles. He is improving every day. Luke is my ray of sunshine.
Sebastian(08 of21)
Open Image Modal
This is Sebastian aka "SB"If he's not melting your heart with kisses, he'll probably be serenading you to his favorite songs. He's an explorer, musician and comedian.This is Autism. (credit:Sindy German )
Kristopher(09 of21)
Open Image Modal
Our wonderful Kristoper diagnosed at 2 years with Autism (now 9 years old); is such a joy and inspiration. His smile says it all. (credit:Karen Carkner )
Seth (10 of21)
Open Image Modal
Seth, 16 loves Christmas, fire fighters and country music. (credit:Kris and Steve Neiman)
brother and sister(11 of21)
Open Image Modal
This is Abe and Mati. Brother and Sister. Both have a high functioning form of Autism known as Aspergers. Both are incredibly smart and creative. These are just two more beautiful faces of Autism. (credit:heidi)
Sam(12 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Miglena Sandmeier)
Aiden (13 of21)
Open Image Modal
This is Aiden. He loves dinosaurs, Skylanders, "The Polar Express," Halloween and playing outside. He is an awesome big brother to his little sister, Emily. He is caring, imaginative and just a little mischievous! This is Aiden. This is autism. (credit:Saiyuri)
James (14 of21)
Open Image Modal
James love Transformers, Iron Man, dinosaurs, SpongeBob and building things. He loves to draw and invent new things and making videos with his sister Melissa. He also loves spending time with his other sister Ellie and playing with our dogs Sammi and Mia. He's full of love, laughter and is the first one to offer you a hug when he knows you are sad. He is awesome! (credit:Deannda Neufer )
Mason and Kovas(15 of21)
Open Image Modal
Kovas has autism but that doesn't stop him from being a dedicated scout or amazing friend! Kovas and Mason have been buddies for over three years. (credit:Bekki Woertink)
Micah(16 of21)
Open Image Modal
debeecole:
This is Micah.He loves books, playing tag, exploring, and The Angry Birds.He has a laugh that is contagious & an Amazing imagination. He is one of the faces of Autism.
Quentin(17 of21)
Open Image Modal
Melissa Morgenlander:
My son Quentin can hack an ipad app to get to his favorite youtube videos. He loves cuddling in bed, hugging his friends and teachers, and spinning around with his twin sister. He is almost 6 years old, and he has PDD-NOS. This is what autism looks like.
This is Brady(18 of21)
Open Image Modal
This is Garrett(19 of21)
Open Image Modal
This is Autism.(20 of21)
Open Image Modal
Steph Steinmetz:
This is DJ. He is an 8 year old bundle of energy. He loves video games, computers and his brother and sister. He is one of the sweetest, funniest kids ever. DJ enriches the lives of everyone he meets. This is autism.
This is a picture of hope for those of you just starting out.(21 of21)
Open Image Modal
Suzanne Romero:
This is my son who also happens to be autistic. He started school when he was a beautiful wide eyed, non verbal two and a half year old. Now he's a beautiful young man. Wednesday May 15th he graduated from high school. It was a long hard road for both of us, but I would do it all over again. It isn't over. Now a new wonderful chapter begins.