A social enterprise helping people on the autistic spectrum and the people around them.
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4 Conversation techniques to add to your social script
Posted: 12 months ago
Many autistic people create for themselves a 'social script' to help them know how to interact in social situations. A social script is a guide for planning what to do and say inside a social setting.
The Girl With The Curly Hair uses a social script whenever she meets up with her friends. Specifically, she uses 4 conversation techniques:
I tried something new and it changed my life
Posted: September 29, 2026
Last year, I started playing squash. I have no experience in racket sports. I’ve never done any exercise that has involved other people. I’ve never gone to a venue to exercise. And yet, one year later, I am having the time of my life playing squash. It has honestly changed my life!…
Using spontaneity to reduce anxiety
Posted: September 26, 2026
While planning is often recommended to reduce anxiety in autistic people, there are times when the opposite approach – spontaneity – can be more suitable. Planning helps autistic people to understand what a situation is likely to entail and can prepare for what they might need to say or do. This often gives them confidence…. Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would li…
Unclear expectations: The invisible workload
Posted: September 1, 2026
It is a strange contradiction that most people say they value straightforwardness and clarity, but in practice, activities often run very differently! Expectations may be hinted at, softened, implied or not said or written down at all! It is ‘hoped’ that the recepients of the information will infer expectations from tone of voice, facial expressions,… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members o…
Road Safety Project – Download our app!
Posted: August 23, 2026
As part of our Road Safety Project funded by the Road Safety Trust, we’ve developed an app for neurodivergent children and young people to log good and bad things they experience when out and about. Some examples of issues might be particularly safe, pleasant or challenging junctions, crossings or streets. Tell us what you like or dislike about your journeys! Please share the app with any relevant parents, carers or networks. The details are below. Thank you so much!…
Familiar does not mean sustainable
Posted: August 5, 2026
Many autistic people struggle to distinguish between activities that are possible and familiar versus those that are actually manageable long-term. This sometimes explains why they put themselves through or remain inside stressful situations even when those situations are not suitable for their personality. For instance, they are very introverted but their friends persuade them to meet… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts ar…
Road safety questionnaires – we need your help!
Posted: July 30, 2026
We’re working on an important research project to better understand how neurodivergent children and young people experience roads and streets – and we’d be grateful for your support. We’re asking whether you could help by responding to or sharing our surveys with any relevant individuals, communities or networks. Every response will help us build the evidence needed to improve road safety and create more inclusive journeys. Emerging evidence sug…
6 Ways to get in tune with yourself
Posted: July 13, 2026
Do you ever feel low, disorientated, unwell or “not quite right” but can’t pinpoint why? Being in tune with yourself – recognising your thoughts and feelings often have a reason or cause – can be a helpful tool, especially for autistic people. For example: If you’re feeling anxious, can you identify the trigger? If you’re… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our communi… Road Safety Project Update June 2026
Posted: June 17, 2026
Since last year, we have been working with The Road Safety Foundation (RSF) to understand more about how neurodivergent children and young people (including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia) experience roads. Funded by The Road Safety Trust, the project aims to build a stronger evidence base to understand the specific challenges faced by neurodivergent children and identify practical measures that can make journeys safer, calmer and more inclusive.…
New film – The Girl With The Curly Hair goes to a Conference
Posted: June 16, 2026
As part of her university work placement, The Girl With The Curly Hair is asked to go to a science conference. Her company is organising the event and she has been asked to help out. Attending the conference is very hard for her, especially as she has to work with her unsympathetic manager! At times… 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, along wit…
How uncertainty affects anxiety for autistic people
Posted: May 15, 2026
Autistic people can often feel anxious when things are uncertain. Maybe someone invites them to do something but the plan isn’t specific. This uncertainty causes them anxiety. Or maybe autistic people themselves sometimes cause their own uncertainty! They can spend a long time “thinking about things” and “wondering whether or not” they should do something…. Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts ar…