Visual Social Story - Going to the Hairdresser

‘Going to the Hairdresser’ Visual Story Pack – Supportive Tools for Calm, Confident Visits

Help children feel prepared and at ease with the ‘Going to the Hairdresser’ Visual Story Pack—a supportive resource designed to reduce anxiety and promote understanding around what to expect in different situations or places.

This thoughtfully developed pack includes a clear, step-by-step visual story that explains what to expect at the hairdresser's salon in a simple, reassuring way. Visual stories are highly effective in helping individuals understand new or challenging situations, making them ideal for children who benefit from additional preparation and structure—including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, or communication difficulties.

The visual story helps:
✔ Reduce fear and uncertainty by clearly outlining the hairdresser visit process
✔ Encourage cooperation and a calm approach to appointments
✔ Empower caregivers and therapists with a tool for building understanding and emotional readiness

Also included is an Aided Language Display (ALD)—a visual communication board featuring common vocabulary used during the hairdresser visits. This tool is designed to support expressive and receptive communication, especially for children using AAC, speech therapy, or key word signing. It can be used by parents, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and educators during appointments or in preparation sessions.

What’s Included:

• ‘Going to the Hairdresser’ Visual Story
• Aided Language Display (ALD)

📍 Printed, laminated and bound with care in Melbourne by Included Education – made to last and ready for regular use at home, in clinics, or on the go.

Whether you're a parent preparing your child for their first appointment or a therapist looking for practical communication tools, this pack provides a gentle, evidence-informed approach to supporting confident, successful dentist visits.

Social stories are a powerful tool for children and adults who find communication, transitions, or changes in routine challenging. They use simple, concrete language and visuals to clearly explain what to expect in specific situations, helping reduce anxiety, build understanding, and promote positive behaviour. By breaking down unfamiliar or overwhelming experiences into manageable steps, social stories support emotional regulation, improve cooperation, and empower individuals to approach daily activities with greater confidence and independence.