Hive account@jazzyfish I feel your pain, I too am a mum of two nonverbal autistic kids one 7 (girl) one 5 (boy).

There is a very good reason neither of my children have ever had haircuts, it is just too much stress for them (plus they look super cute with long hair anyway).

I have a close friend who wears an autism awareness shirt out, when she's going to big events with her boys. Mind you as an outspoken aussie chick and she has no problem "explaining" to people what's happening when her son is having a meltdown.

I will actively tell people myself, especially if they are staring, pointing, commenting or if they try to intervene on my behalf because I'm obviously an incapable mother (it's happened - I usually say "I wouldn't, he bites").

I think in some ways a shirt would help, I could remain focused on my child who needs me mid meltdown - rather than having to care about some adults inconvenienced shopping trip.

But really we just don't venture out enough to warrant one, it would probably be useful if you're out and about a fair bit.

I too have also had a hard time with the facebook "support groups", my life is hard enough without out other mothers taking their frustrations out on me, berating me for my opinions or trying to force theirs on you.

There is a large amount of hostility in these groups and I don't understand why they were all usually created with idea of support in mind, but the "autism mums" can get really aggressive and hostile even when unprovoked.

I hope that all members on steemit, can get actively involved in the autism community that is evolving here . I have had an amazing response with one of my autism related posts about nonverbal communication.

My goal on here is to create some real awareness about autism and the different ways, it can impact both the child and carer.

I praise you in your bravery for daring to venture, into the wild unknown of the shopping center hairdresser with an autistic child.

Here's some links to my autism posts so far if you want to take a look :)

https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@krystle/hey-i-m-krystle

https://steemit.com/autism/@krystle/what-it-means-to-be-non-verbal-autistic-from-a-mum-s-perspective

https://steemit.com/autism/@krystle/the-worst-20mins-of-my-life

https://steemit.com/autism/@krystle/please-think-twice-a-plea-from-an-autism-parent