Haircuts Raise Autism Awareness

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Autism experts say one out of every 150 people is diagnosed with the disorder.

But Sunday, an Oklahoma City mother and her co-workers did their part to snip away at the disability.

At Forgue Design Group in Oklahoma City, it was a special day for cutting hair, but not because of the $7 bargain haircut, but because of an effort to raise money and awareness of autism.

Becky Gunter is a hair stylist and she's also the mother of 8-year-old Jett who was diagnosed with autism about four years ago.

"Luckily he's very high functioning autistic so he's able to maintain a pretty normal lifestyle with a little help from friends and family," Becky said.

Jett is the inspiration behind the fundraising effort at the salon. All the money raised from Sunday's haircuts will be donated at next weekend's autism walk in Bricktown.

"My ultimate goal for today is to raise a lot of awareness about autism and how many children it is sadly affecting. And again to raise money to go toward as much research as we can possibly get," Becky said.

Autism is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. For Becky and her friends, they're doing what they can for Jett and others like him one haircut at a time.

"He's such an awesome little boy. He's my little dancer, and he's great, I love him," Becky said.

The event raised $442, which will be donated at the Autism Walk in Bricktown. Find out more about the Autism Walk and the organization, Autism Speaks.