For a person without autism, we see the world filled with two types of things: those that are ordinary and those that are extraordinary. However, for a person on the autism spectrum, everything can be extraordinary.

One barber from Ohio found out firsthand how the simplest things can be a huge struggle for a person with autism.

Marco Conti owns Marky Fresh Barber Shop in Mentor, Ohio. He is used to receiving various client requests, especially if the haircut is for young children. He thought he knew it all, but it all changed when he met 7-year-old Brycen Juby, a young boy with autism.

In an interview with TODAY Parents, Ashley Juby shared how they knew about her son’s condition.

“Brycen was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 and a half years old, and shortly after he was diagnosed with apraxia of speech and was nonverbal until he was 5,” she shared.

A child with autism can be overwhelmed with things other people might consider routine or trivial.

Going to the barbershop for a haircut is one of the things that Brycen is struggling with, even when he was younger. As a toddler, the boy was brought to kiddie salons by Ashley and his dad, Joe, but it did not mean that the experience is any better for him.

His parents are used to him being overwhelmed with these kinds of things, but as he grew older, his parents also learned that each visit to the barber gets more complicated. He would be very distracted by the noise made not only by the devices they use in barber shops but also by the noise people make around him.

Because of his struggles, Brycen’s parents decided to have his hair cut at home.

It was more manageable to have Brycen’s haircut done at home where he is more comfortable and familiar. But, Brycen turned seven years old and was already attending his first year in public school.

Ashley and Joe wanted their boy to be ready for his first school picture day and that starts with having a haircut. They figured that it is time to go back to the barbershop and try again.

Marco Conti, co-owner of Marky Fresh Barber Shop, received a call from Brycen’s parents. They wanted to have an appointment at a non-busier time of the day.

The man shared what happened on that special day.

“When Brycen and his dad came in, he felt super emotional, crying inside about to get his haircut,” Marco said. “I could tell he felt more comfortable outside so I was like right off the cuff, ‘What if we cut your hair outside? Would you feel more comfortable?’ He agreed. I just wanted to make him feel safe and comfortable.”

Seeing Brycen in such a state moved Marco and he felt compelled to be there and truly listen to what the boy needs. He was not speaking properly, but his emotions were evident and he was touched by the love he felt between Brycen and his parents.

Marco did what he thought was best, and that is to help the boy in coping and understand the situation. He was genuinely caring for Brycen.

He brought the chair outside the barber shop. Brycen sat while his dad held his head firmly but endearingly, fully understanding what the boy needed at that moment. It was such a special moment that resonated with anybody who came across the photo online.

“I really didn’t feel like it was such a big deal at the time,” Marco said. “I felt like anyone would do that. I just thought it was something that I had to do.”

Marco’s co-worker snapped the photo and shared it online, where people were moved and inspired by what took place that day outside the barber shop. Ashley and Joe are quite thankful for the understanding and accommodation of Marco of their request for their son.

“To have a company so willing to accommodate is such a relief on my end or my husband’s end,” Ashley said. “It’s pretty fantastic. I found if you reach out, there are good people that are willing to help you.”

Marco believes that kindness can go a long way.

“Be compassionate to one another,” the barber said. “Even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone.”

Check out more details about this story by watching the video below.

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Source: Positive Outlooks, TODAY Parents, Fox 8 News Cleveland