Sky Valley Messenger

Last evening Noah decided that he was done with his long hair of the past two and a half years. He declared that he wanted to go back to his “original boys hair cut”, and there was no doubt in his mind. That’s rare for Noah. Being autistic, he normally has a difficult time being sure of decisions regarding small things, let alone something as big as his hair. Noah never liked getting haircuts, and growing his hair long was a big deal to him. If you even mentioned cutting his hair he would flat out say, “no way”. He guarded his hair better than Sampson did.

I don’t know, but I think Noah really never wanted long hair. When he first decided that he wanted to grow his hair long he stated that it was because he believed that it would make him “cool”, and he thought that it would help him make friends. Two and a half years later, I think he came to realize that it didn’t help, kids didn’t become his friend because he had long hair, and so he chose to go back to what he liked.

He loves it!!! I couldn’t be prouder of him, not because he now has short hair, but because he decided, for all the right reasons that that’s what he wanted, and he was certain as gravity of that fact.

I believe that this is one of Noah’s defining moments. He has made a change in direction and it gives him more confidence, independence, and self assurance. When I look at Noah today I don’t just see a boy who looks different, I see a young man who is different and it gives me joy, and confidence in him.

Way to go Noah!!!

Written June 17th, 2025