100 Results in Socialising

Social consequences of developmental disabilities

Autism is a developmental disability, which means that certain aspects of ‘growing up’ such as language, learning, self-help, independent living – and even theory of mind – may come at a later stage than what is considered ‘normal.’ Even though physically a child may develop at the normal rate, mental and emotional development may be far behind. From my… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcast…

Finding friends if you are an adult on the spectrum – 5 tips

As an adult on the spectrum, socialising may be just as tricky – if not more – as when you were a child. You may have learned various coping mechanisms, but with the added pressure and expectations to be a responsible, independent adult, socialising may become more difficult as you find yourself retreating and isolating. Adult life… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you…

The difference between masking and coping

Someone in the audience at one of our recent workshops asked a fantastic question. She said, "What is the difference between masking and coping?" Here is my answer.

5 tips for recognising emotions

Recognising emotions is very difficult when you have autism. Very often, what you feel is so overwhelming it takes a very very long time to determine and define the feeling. This can lead to difficulty in communication with friends, family, or partners. Being able to communicate about how we feel is massively important in society…. 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…

Strategies for managing social anxiety

We have looked at what social anxiety is and why the repeated exposure method may not work – so what does work? This article lists some strategies which I personally use. My social anxiety never goes away but it can sometimes be managed and even reduced. Tell others The first and perhaps most important strategy is to… 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…

Achieving closure

Difficulties with social imagination and theory of mind contribute to high anxiety in people with ASD. These difficulties are also the cause of numerous “why?” questions and ruminations, because it is so hard to understand the social behaviour of others. Whereas neurotypical people seem to be able to ‘let things go’, this piece of advice will… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to memb…

Helping someone to identify their feelings

A person with ASD may have difficulty with various aspects of their feelings. This can have a big impact on their relationships because one of the ways in which human beings connect with each other is through, not only feeling feelings, but sharing them…. 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 an…

Why some people with ASD are not assertive

A high proportion of people on the spectrum have grown up being ‘pushed’ into doing things we were not comfortable doing or continually agree to things and participate in things that we do not want to do (lack of assertiveness). There are a lot of reasons for us behaving in this manner, here are some: We are desperate to belong We… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you w…

Expectations and assumptions

When I am getting to know someone, I don't assume anything about their behaviour and the way they are. I treat them as they are: a unique individual. I learn their ways and what works for them. I don't assume they are going to be a certain way, just because most other people are. Based on my own experiences, there has often been an assumption that I am going to behave and like the same sorts of things that other people like, before I've even been given a chance to say otherwise. Sometimes I will explicitly tell a person(s) something important or specific about me, and I'm always very surprised when they seemingly 'forget' this information...

Beyond diagnosis – are you still the same person?

This is an interesting question. The answer for me is “yes”, I am still the same person. In my eyes it is that simple, however, I am aware that it may look like I am not. I am the same person but I now have reasons for all the ‘unusual’ feelings and behaviours I have. It was very… 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, alon…