228 Results in Strategies

Improving your mental health

I’ll tell you the reason for this article, it might make you chuckle or it might make you feel a little annoyed, which is how I felt! Some of you might know that, last year, I was interviewed for two magazine features. If you are interested in reading the articles, you can find them here: Gask, Marina. “The Truth About Women… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community. If you would li…

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...

How to end a conversation or activity

People with ASD find social rules and etiquette difficult as they do not come as naturally to us as they do to neurotypical people. There are lots of things difficult about social interactions and one of those things is as simple as knowing how and when to end a conversation or activity. 'Casual', impromptu or spontaneous interactions are more difficult to know how/when to end.

Optimal performance and hard work

At school, children with ASD - in particular boys - are often described as "not putting enough effort in", "could have done better", "not trying hard enough", or "needs to work harder." Comments such as these can be quite damaging for a child who is putting in enough effort and working as hard as they can. Children with ASD typically have low self esteem already, so to be told what they are producing is not good enough, can be harmful.

ASD and the repeated exposure method

Most people on the autistic spectrum suffer from anxiety and it’s easier to understand why if you consider the diagnostic criteria. For an individual, restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities often manifest as the person being resistant to change, needing sameness and routines and being hypo/hypersensitive. This can cause enormous amounts of anxiety. The other criteria is the problems with social… Join The Curly Hair P…

A person with ASD having friends with ASD

I sometimes come across people with ASD (mostly teenagers and young people) who are seeking to meet others with ASD. I always wonder why this is. Responses from parents of teenagers – and teenagers themselves – usually remark that they are looking to find friendships. I personally have never gone looking for others with ASD with the hope… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to members of our community…

What does inclusion mean?

Inclusion is a word very frequently used when people talk about ASD and other disabilities or special needs. What does this word mean? To me, it means that people who aren't neurotypical ought to be able to have everyday experiences every day. It means they should be able to accomplish 'normal' day to day tasks with as little difficulty as possible. For example, I would like to be able to do things such as: have meals out, go shopping for new clothes, take the train, and go to the gym. Unfortunately, there are a number of problems that come with all of these things that either prevent me from doing them...

Communicating about social anxiety

A large number of people with ASD also have social anxiety. This article provides some tips on communicating with others about our social anxiety. Deciding on who to tell You do not have to tell everyone you know that you have social anxiety. Personally, I only disclose when I feel it would provide an explanation or justification… 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 con…

The reality of the sensory aspects of ASD

This article was inspired by some user comments on the Facebook page, which implied that not enough attention is paid to sensory issues for many people on the spectrum. Up until the recent revision of the diagnostic criteria (DSM-V), the sensory processing aspects of ASD were not considered. As well as the triad of impairments, many people with ASD also have difficulty processing everyday sensory information, such as sound and light. This is sometimes referred to as having 'sensory integration difficulties', or 'sensory sensitivity'. Not being able to process sensory information correctly can have a significant effect on a person's day to day life. Most people think that there are five senses, but there are actually seven:

How to encourage socialising

It is a common occurrence that parents, teachers, and even peers, may ‘push’ their loved one with ASD into socialising and social situations. I have heard a lot of comments; parents may express concerns such as, “my child just stays in their room after school, entirely on his/her own”, or “my child shows no interest in making friends or… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to memb…