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: 9 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:
“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…
“What are you doing at break time?”
Posted: August 6, 2023
Ambiguity can be a problem for autistic people. The following scenario may give you an insight into an autistic person’s thoughts whenever a question that they find ambiguous is asked: “What are you doing at break time?” These are the words that cause the look of sheer panic on The Girl With The Curly Hair’s… 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 c…
How a special interest can affect your life both positively and negatively
Posted: July 17, 2023
Many autistic people have intense and highly focused interests. These interests are often known as ‘special interests’. They can change over time or be lifelong. Special interests can have advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of whether you are autistic yourself or whether you are connected to someone with autism, it’s important to be aware of what… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to…
7 Suggestions for how to improve your physical health
Posted: June 25, 2023
Autistic people can have particular difficulties when trying to achieve good physical health. Here are some of the barriers they may encounter and suggestions on how to overcome them: 1. A healthy diet Autistic people can find it difficult to have a healthy diet. One reason for this may be their hyper-sensitivity to the taste,… 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…