79 Results in Thoughts, Feelings & Behaviour

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…

The importance of ‘processing time’

Yesterday I received a text message asking whether I could do something the following day. I read the message and then carried on with my day. Although I knew I was going to say “yes”, I didn’t reply until the evening. I refer to the time between reading the message and responding to it as… 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,…

Understanding your autism can really help you

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?

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…

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

“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…

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

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…

10 Things to consider when doing something for the first time

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?”

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

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…

Are autistic people physically and mentally invisible?

Some autistic people (especially introverts) feel as though they are invisible. They might feel physically invisible or that their thoughts and feelings are invisible…. 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 receiving access to our exclusive animations, podcasts and special offers – please click the Subscribe today bu…