Natica Mosely-Wills, a Bridgeport mother of a 17-year-old son with autism, holds a cut-a-thon at her Stratford salon every year to benefit other families impacted by autism.

"It's a great way to let these families know they are not alone, that they're part of a tribe who loves them and helps them," Mosely-Wills told News 12.

She says proceeds from the event will benefit seven local families.

Her business, Suites 2.0 Hair Salon, filled up on Sunday with customers who took part in the fundraiser.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal told News 12 that federal budget cuts are slashing millions of dollars in funding for autism research.

"We are working to fight these cuts because the need is so great for families impacted by autism," Blumenthal said.