Thriive is designed for parents and carers of neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, sensory processing differences, and more). Whether you have a diagnosis or are still figuring things out, Thriive helps you manage daily life.

My child hasn't been formally diagnosed yet. Is this still useful?

Absolutely. Many of the strategies in Thriive are helpful for any child who struggles with focus, emotional regulation, or executive function — diagnosis or not.

What features does Thriive include?

Thriive includes visual routine builders, a challenge tracker with pattern detection, a strategy library tailored to your child's neurodivergent profile, daily check-ins, mood tracking, and shareable reports for doctors and schools.

Yes — Thriive is free to start with core features. A Pro tier is available for families who want advanced tracking, unlimited routines, and additional features.

Is this just for UK families?

While Thriive includes UK-specific resources (NHS, SENCO, EHCP guidance), the core strategies and tools are universal. Families worldwide use Thriive to support their neurodivergent children.

Haircut Support

For when haircuts cause extreme distress due to sensory overload from sounds, touch, or smells

Steps

Familiarise at home first: touch their hair, use a comb, play hairdresser
Search for sensory-friendly or autism-friendly barbers/hairdressers in your area
Bring ear defenders for the buzzer noise and a cape they've worn at home
Let them sit on your lap if they're small, or choose their own seat
Consider cutting hair at home if salons are too overwhelming for now

What you need

Sensory-friendly barber, ear defenders, home practice tools

Why it works

Haircuts combine multiple sensory challenges — the buzzer vibration, the sound, hair falling on skin, someone touching their head, and sitting still for an extended period. Desensitising at home and finding sensory-friendly barbers addresses each layer of the distress separately.

Age guidance

Most challenging between ages 2-8. Many children tolerate haircuts better as they get older, especially if early experiences are handled gently.

Real-world example

A parent found a mobile hairdresser who came to their home and cut hair while their child watched a favourite show. No salon noise, no waiting, no strangers. It cost a little more but eliminated the meltdown entirely.

Troubleshooting

Short, frequent trims are easier to tolerate than infrequent big cuts
YouTube tutorials can help you learn to trim at home if needed
Some mobile hairdressers will come to your home, which is a calmer environment

Thriive — The App for Neurodivergent Families

Features

Conditions We Support

Parent Guides

Glossary

Daily Challenges

Strategy Categories

Community