Valley barber offers free haircuts for kids with autism
Robert Lorenzo Altobelli, owner of LA Fades in North Belle Vernon, is hosting the event to promote autism awareness among the hair stylist/barber industry.
Robert Lorenzo Altobelli is shown with a local youngster during his free coats, shoes and haircuts event in November. Submitted
A local barber has been inspired to raise autism awareness in the Mon Valley and has chosen to do just that by giving back to his community.
Robert Lorenzo Altobelli, owner of LA Fades in North Belle Vernon, will give free haircuts to autistic children on Sunday to promote autism awareness. Altobelli said he’s been inspired by his autistic customers.
Although he is no longer taking appointments for Sunday’s event as he has 20 customers already scheduled, he is hoping to host another one and inspire others in his industry to consider doing the same.
“I’ve been cutting hair for a long time, but I already have autistic customers that I’ve fell in love with and watched them grow and go from like, freaking out, to perfection in the chair,” Altobelli said. “And I’ve seen how much ease that takes off the parents. So I’ve always had a heart for autistic kids, and just having patience and trying to help the family out.”
Altobelli said each appointment is private and only includes him, the client receiving a haircut, and their family. He added that he has prepared gift bags for the children to take home and that families can expect a nice, quiet experience.
This isn’t the first time Altobelli has done special community events. In November, he held a special Thanksgiving event where he gave away free coats, haircuts, and food to local families at his barbershop location in North Belle Vernon.
LA Fades also does frequent community salon events at His Place Coffee, Community and More in Monessen, where he gives free haircuts.
Although the autism awareness is for his customers, Altobelli hopes that other local barbers also gain inspiration from the event.
“They deserve to try to get a good haircut here and there,” he said. “They deserve patience from somebody. So I think it’s good awareness to show other people, other stylists, like, hey, you can help these people out, you don’t have to deny these customers.”
“I’ve never done an autistic event, so I have 18 autistic kids I’m cutting in a row,” he said. “So it’s gonna be a fun day, definitely a first time for this, but I’m gonna try to do it like once a year, just for awareness.”
To receive updates regarding LA Fades, visit Altobelli’s Facebook page or to make an appointment, go to www.neverwait.app/ l/lorenzo.
