78 Results in Thoughts, Feelings & Behaviour

The different things people think about!

Some months ago I had a single unfavourable social interaction. During the days afterwards I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was trying to analyse it. It’s been months now and I still think about it every now and then. I wonder whether the other person thinks about it as well? The answer is… maybe… 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 t…

Being focused versus being flexible

How do we get the balance right between doing exactly what we want in the moment versus what’s best for us and the situation? Everyone faces this tension, but for autistic people it can be especially challenging. Autistic people’s thinking frequently involves narrow focus followed by immediate action. This can mean they miss the wider… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If…

Small things are big things for autistic people

Neurotypical people may be able to relate to how a seemingly small thing can transform one’s whole day? For example, somebody saying something nice to you can make your day. Or how about the relief of a warm cup of tea? Small things can make people feel really good. Alternatively, some small things can make… 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 ar…

Understanding the difference between ‘best’ and ‘right’

Autistic people often have a strong sense of ‘right and wrong.’ They may be able to identify these to themselves very quickly and tend to stick to them rigidly. They may then judge others and situations when they perceive they are ‘wrong.’ To many autistic people, right and wrong is very black and white. What… 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…

Strategies to manage hot temperatures

Autistic people normally have very different sensory experiences than neurotypical people. This can include the sensory experience of the weather. They may be far more sensitive to weather conditions than others. One reason is that they may experience difficulties with thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is the official name for the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature…. Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our p…

Why do I feel so upset when I get home?

Recently I went out and did something new. I had spent a lot of time worrying about this activity and a lot of time trying to mentally prepare for it. It was something that I wanted to do, but I still felt anxious. The activity didn’t go as I expected. I came home feeling disappointed… 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 with receivin…

Understanding a situation from different points of view

Autistic-neurotypical relationships can be difficult! Sometimes a neurotypical person can care greatly about their autistic loved one and be well meaning but still ‘get it wrong’ (and of course it can also happen the other way around!). The Girl With The Curly Hair sometimes feels that her neurotypical partner Nazim ‘gets it wrong’, even though… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to me…

The skill of being able to distinguish WHEN details matter and when they don’t

Like many autistic people, I notice and focus on details. This is a fantastic ability in the right circumstances, for example when I am editing, proof reading, working on my accounts or doing a piece of work I really care about. However, it is a less useful ability in other circumstances! Having recently been working… 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 t…

Why autistic people may have trouble making commitments to activities

Although autistic people tend to like consistency in daily life and may be committed to their own routines, they may have trouble making commitments to other activities. Here are some reasons why this is: Autism means living with a chronic disability In many ways, having autism means living with a chronic disability. Every day, an… 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 co…

What problems did The Girl With The Curly Hair encounter during the Nature Walk?

The Girl With The Curly Hair had just started at secondary school. The school had arranged for the students to go to an activity park for a few days so that they could get to know each other. One of the activities they participated in was the ‘Nature Walk’, which involved exploring the natural habitats… 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 a…