228 Results in Strategies

10 Ways to find motivation to do a task

Autistic people can sometimes lack the motivation to do tasks. They may be easily distracted, find it hard to concentrate, or not wish to prioritise a task that they consider is unimportant or that does not interest them. However, whether we like it or not, at some point all of us have to do menial… 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…

The Patterns Theory

Like many autistic people, I like things to be ‘right.’ I like things to be done perfectly and accurately. I focus on small details and insist they are correct. Although there are instances when this way of being is useful (such as in science and maths), there are also instances when it is hindering (such… 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 th…

Managing weak working memory

Working memory is one of the brain’s executive functions. It is a metaphorical bucket inside the brain that holds information temporarily in order to assist us in completing a task or thinking through an idea. The information is held only very briefly and then it goes away after a few seconds or when a person… 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…

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,…

10 Strategies for improving sleep

Good sleep is talked about a lot these days and there is much advice for everyone on the subject. However, autistic people may have other, more specific problems like sensory challenges, lack of body awareness or staying awake due to worrying. In this article I have reflected upon 10 strategies that have helped me 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 read th…

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,…

10 Ways for autistic people to improve their concentration

Some autistic people have difficulty concentrating. In particular, they may find it difficult to pay attention to and concentrate on things that don’t interest them! This is part of the autism condition. Additionally, it is common for autistic people to struggle with executive function. Concentration is a part of executive function. Some autistic people also have… Join The Curly Hair Project Community Today This article and our podcasts are available only to m…

How to cope with ‘endings’

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…

Small things make a big difference

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…

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…