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Understanding your autism can really help you

Posted: March 13, 2024

In the film, ‘A Day in the University Placement Year for The Girl With The Curly Hair’, The Girl With The Curly Hair is 21 years old. She has not yet been diagnosed with autism. Although she seems to have some awareness of her needs, she doesn’t realise her needs are because of her autism…. Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to continue to read this article,…

Why is information confusing for autistic people but not neurotypical people?

Posted: February 18, 2024

Autistic people often feel “confused” about information that is quite clear to neurotypical people. Why is this? A neurotypical person’s brain works differently. They can interpret a message, and even if the message is a little unclear, they can still understand what it means quite quickly. They have the ability to understand information even if… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our c…

10 Ways for autistic people to improve their concentration

Posted: January 25, 2024

Some autistic people have difficulty concentrating. In particular, they may find it difficult to pay attention to and concentrate on things that don’t interest them! This is part of the autism condition. Additionally, it is common for autistic people to struggle with executive function. Concentration is a part of executive function. Some autistic people also have… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to m…

“Attire is formal for dinner. See you later”

Posted: January 3, 2024

If you are autistic, do you ever struggle to socialise with colleagues outside of work, such as at team ‘Away Days’ or the Christmas party? The Girl With The Curly Hair does! Her time working at a science measurement and testing company included the big three-day annual science conference in a different part of the… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to contin…

“I don’t like being squashed between people, it’s yucky!”

Posted: December 11, 2023

“I don’t like being squashed between people, it’s yucky!” This is a thought that The Girl With The Curly Hair had in the dining hall. She had collected her food from the dinner counter and was trying to find somewhere to sit. Her preferred place was the end of the table at the back of… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would like to continue to read this article…

How to cope with ‘endings’

Posted: November 18, 2023

A reoccurring challenge throughout my life has been how to cope with ‘endings.’ An ending could be: Leaving school, college or university Leaving a job Finishing a series of therapy sessions Someone in a professional position of care for you (e.g. carer, counsellor, GP, physiotherapist) leaving their role A colleague leaving their job I’ve faced… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members…

“I hope the librarian doesn’t mind that I come here all the time”

Posted: October 28, 2023

During her time at secondary school, The Girl With The Curly Hair used to spend her break times in the school library. She thought, “It’s the only place that’s quiet.” She also thought, “I hope the librarian doesn’t mind that I come here all the time.” I found this second thought interesting. What did she… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If…

Small things make a big difference

Posted: October 8, 2023

Life can sometimes feel unbearably hard for autistic people. Many of us feel anxious on a daily basis and experience frequent meltdowns and shutdowns. Many of us find certain situations intolerable and we avoid them. I always like to reflect upon the strategy that “small things make a big difference.”  There are lots of small… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would l…

Understanding sensory discomfort in autistic people

Posted: September 17, 2023

Autistic people can have over-sensitive senses. This can cause them to feel distressed by ‘ordinary’ sensations. If you are an autistic person who has over-sensitivity, or if you know an autistic person who has over-sensitivity, it can be useful to understand the following factors: Peace and quiet is very important Most autistic people really need… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of ou…

10 Things to consider when doing something for the first time

Posted: August 27, 2023

Although trying a new experience can be exciting and worthwhile, it can also make lots of people feel very nervous! Doing something for the first time can be difficult for everyone, including autistic people. Autistic people often enjoy familiarity and routine, so doing something new can be particularly hard for them. Here are 10 things… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would li…