Take getting a haircut, for instance. The process can be overwhelming: sitting still for an extended period with wet hair, enduring the noise of appliances such as clippers and dryers, and dealing with strong fragrances.
All this can be particularly distressing for those on the spectrum, especially children. This is why Mr D Hair Studio in Bandar Bangi, Selangor, has become a godsend for parents.
Darmalingam Manickam, fondly known as Mr D, nurtured his patience and expertise in cutting hair for special-needs children through his own experience of growing up with and caring for his autistic younger sister.
“My sister was also a special-needs child, so when I started in this line of work, I noticed there were parents who complained that other places refused to cut their children’s hair,” he told FMT at his shop recently.
For autistic individuals, the senses of touch, smell and taste can become overwhelming to the point of being distressing. The challenges vary depending on the severity of each child’s level of autism.
Recently, videos of Mr D passionately cutting the hair of autistic children went viral on social media. Meeting him in person, Darmalingam exudes the warmth of a doting grandfather. Dressed in a grey waistcoat layered with a red jacket and sporting a neatly groomed white beard and moustache, he is the epitome of professionalism.
For Darmalingam, cutting the hair of autistic children goes beyond business acumen; it’s a tribute to his sister Malini, who was autistic and passed away in 2003 at age 45.
“Imagine a four-year-old child being able to kick four grown adults – it’s unbelievable. The most important thing is patience. You can’t be rough; you need to understand them,” he said.
For him, the challenge is not just in persuading these children to let him cut their hair, but to ensure they are able to gain access to this basic service like everyone else.
“There was this one boy who came last week. After a week, he returned and didn’t want to leave. Imagine this place becoming his comfort zone. It’s fantastic!
“That’s the kind of satisfaction I feel in my heart,” said the former Telekom Malaysia technician, who has been running his business for 20 years.
Parents’ relief
One mother, Shida, shared that her 10-year-old son Adam is highly sensitive to loud noises and fears the sound of clippers. On his first visit to Mr D Hair Studio, Adam was so distressed that he took off his shirt mid-session.
“Uncle treats Adam like his own grandchild. He even shares therapy tips and knows quite a bit about autistic children,” she said.
She added that Adam has been coming to Mr D Hair Studio since early last year, and she is willing to drive close to an hour to bring Adam to the barbershop.
Another parent, Bliana Muhammad Halime, said other barbershops often refuse to serve special-needs customers. “But Darmalingam takes the time to get familiar with the child and makes them feel comfortable,” she noted happily.
Saying goodbye to FMT, Darmalingam concluded: “I will continue doing this for children like I did for my sister. I will care for them as I cared for her.”
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Mr D Hair Studio
24, Jalan 3/70,
Seksyen 3 Bandar Baru Bangi,
43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor