One of the interesting challenges we have with Lincoln is thanks to his Sensory Processing Disorder.

We all to some extent have things that ‘creep us out’ physically or the thought of which gives us anxiety.

(Weirdly, mine is Sellotape, rendering any kind of wrapping event an absolute nightmare. It’s a good excuse to help myself to the wine whilst I wrap presents at Christmas).

But Lincoln’s are on another level. SPD can affect people in different ways; being a picky eater; being sensitive to sound or light; needing or not liking touch. Significant sensitivities that can lead to fear and anxiety.

Lincoln’s issues are not universal; they are limited, it seems, to his head and face. So, the fun starts when we try to get him to keep his glasses on or, worse, suggest a hair-cut.

Strangely and luckily, he will happily skip along to see any medical professional and get a jab, take a pill, sit with electrodes stuck to him (usually because then he gets a high-five and a sticker) but try and even touch the hair…goodness no. No chance.

We have bargained with all sorts, negotiated and tried every trick in the book but to no avail. The ears are now disappearing and soon so will the eyebrows. Think Oasis circa 1996. We could try and turn him into a mod but I can’t quite imagine Lincoln on a moped. He wouldn’t wear the helmet for a start!

We have up to this point had an extremely professional and unperturbed hairdresser try over the years to cut Lincoln’s hair and we are extremely grateful for every attempt. Her skills and courage are quite amazing.

Sometimes, she simply would not less us pay her. Either because she hadn’t managed to cut anything off before the drama commenced or sometimes I think because she just saw how stressed out I was and felt sorry for me. The last visit though was particularly stressful and I have decided we all need a little rest from it.

So, what do we do now to stop us getting into a ‘Cousin It’ state of affairs? Well, as frustrating as it is, I have to acknowledge that this situation causes Lincoln anxiety. He can’t explain to me why he is feeling the way he does; perhaps it is the way the prickly hair feels when it falls on his neck? Or the thought of sharp scissors? Or perhaps it is just a lot of memories of being upset when having this done?

We don’t know so we are limited to how we can help at the moment. And it feels like that with everything sometimes.

Sensory processing disorder paired with speech and language delay is a tricky one. We know he is sad/hurting/anxious but we don’t know why. All we do know is “Lincoln don’t like the haircut”.

Fair enough, we pick our battles and he is great at doing most of the important stuff (with help); brushing teeth, washing hands, getting dressed. We will get there with a little more patience and a little more research into how we solve this particular puzzle.

Until then, maybe I just go and get ‘ar kid’ some round-framed, tinted glasses and we just roll with it.