Friend's Son...

[ChefMartin812]

A good friend of mine's son is Autistic and is fascinated with my Bald Head.
According to the boy's parents they don't know anyone else that is bald.
The kid wanted to know if he could touch my head, he even asked politely.
It was a bit awkward at first but the kid was amazed at how smooth the Dome was.
He can't figure out why there is no hair and keeps looking for it.
Any ideas how to get through to him to help him better understand ?
I tried explaining to him that I shave it but his dad has full head of hair and full facial hair too so the boy doesn't understand.

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Show him you shaving it sometime. Explain to him its like him going to the barbers. Had he seen you with hair before? Autistic kids tend not to be comfortable with change and if you have gone from lots of hair to none, he may be a bit unsure.

[Mikekoz13]

My son is a special needs kid. I love special needs kids. The fascination they show with the things we take for granted amazes me.

I've found that with special needs kids patience is the big thing. Patiently explain/show it to him as often as he needs just to get it.

[The Scottish Ambassador]

My son is a special needs kid. I love special needs kids. The fascination they show with the things we take for granted amazes me.

I've found that with special needs kids patience is the big thing. Patiently explain/show it to him as often as he needs just to get it.

I worked with adults with learning disabilities/mental health problems/special needs. Couldnt have put it better myself Mike. Time and patience 

[ChefMartin812]

Well, he has never seen me with hair.
I know about the patience thing, the parents have gone as far as teaching me all their hand signals and how best to deal with the boy.
It's just teaching him a concept (shaving) that isn't done by his dad...maybe I can equate it with his mom and shaving her legs.

[Timmay]

Maybe sit him down and show him a video on youtube about a person with a full head of hair going thru the process?  From Shaggy to Slick.  Sometimes visuals are better than words.

[foodfor4]

I am multiply handicapped. I have asburgers which is a less severe form of Autism which effects you socially and dyslexia which is a learning disability. When I was younger I needed to see things to understand. So I agree with the person who said that you may want to show him a video on youtube of a man with hair shaving his head.

[Razor X]

Well, he has never seen me with hair.
I know about the patience thing, the parents have gone as far as teaching me all their hand signals and how best to deal with the boy.
It's just teaching him a concept (shaving) that isn't done by his dad...maybe I can equate it with his mom and shaving her legs.

There's a very simple solution to this:  get his dad to shave his head.   

[champ007]

Um, my nephew is autistic and depending on how severe, it may not be a good idea to show him exactly how to shave his head. He could possibly try to imitate what he sees and severely injure himself.
I am guessing his parents have explained a lot about autism, but most autistic kids like to feel with their hands and also their lips. Just the fact that he recognizes you and associates with you is a major accomplishment.
Depending on how old he is you may want to write it down for him, but he most likely does know what you are telling him. You won't get a typical expression showing he understands, but they do.
I do want to say thanks for not being naive and relating to him, you would be surprised how nasty some people can be.  I am sure his parents really appreciate it.