Curly Hair Project FAQs: Common questions and responses

Welcome to our Curly Hair Project FAQs page, where you’ll find answers to some of the questions our subscribers and visitors regularly ask. Below, we have information about our books, autism diagnosis, webinars, and courses. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our Contact Form.

My GP does not believe that I am autistic. What can I do?

We would recommend seeing another GP for a second opinion. You can also look at the DSM-5 criteria for autism and write down a list of reponses as to why you think you might be autistic. You could bring this with you to your appointment.

Do you have any resources on selective mutism?

We have mentioned that many autistic people cannot speak when they feel anxious. This is covered in our blog, Anxiety course, Socialising course and Anxiety book.

There are some helpful books on selective mutism by other authors here.

How do I go about getting a diagnosis?

It is best to make an appointment to see your GP. They will be able to refer you to the relevant autism service.

I have curly hair and sensory processing problems. Managing my hair is a nightmare. What do you recommend?

We feel your pain! Managing curly hair is a nightmare. We recommend the Tangle Teezer brush.

We wish to make a purchase but do not have a credit card. Can you invoice us?

Yes, please email info@thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk

We would like to translate your books into [language]. Are you interested?

Yes, please contact us.

Which courses are suitable for…?

We have specific courses for parents, autistic adults, children and young people, education professionals, health professionals, employers and anyone else who might be interested in autism. Please click the links to find out more.

Which books are suitable for…?

Please refer to this page.

It is also a good idea to read the Amazon reviews of the books you are considering to make an informed decision.

I was told to contact you for support.

Thank you for getting in touch! We have books, online courses, animations and a blog. Please click the links to find out more.

I would like to start a business about my experience of autism. How do I get started?

There are lots of helpful books on how to start a business here.

I would like to give talks about my experience of autism. How do I get started?

You could contact your local radio station. They might be interested in interviewing you. You could contact local networks and organisations (such as schools, workplaces, community centres, churches, youth clubs…) to see if they might like to book you to speak about autism. You could create a website and social media pages and market yourself.

I am doing a research project at university about autism. Can you promote it for me?

Yes, please email us.

Can you recommend a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in autism?

No, sorry. The National Autistic Society has a directory of professional people on their website here, which might be helpful.

Where can I find out about the latest webinars?

Please visit our webinars page.

Do you have a list of resources that I can send out to my network?

Yes, thank you very much! Download the PDF here.

My child has just been diagnosed with autism. What books or e-learning do you recommend I start with?

We recommend the What is it like to have autism? course. We also have a Starter Set of courses for parents. Asperger’s and Me would be an appropriate book to read first.

How can I get your books in [country]?

Please order the books on our website here and we will ship internationally. Please allow 4-6 weeks for international delivery.

My child is autistic but “doesn’t want to know”. What can I do?

The best approach will probably be to contact the practitioner who did the assessment. They are in a better position to suggest the best way forward. Having a diagnosis when you are in your formative years will be difficult and challenging and it might be a long process.

You could buy some books and leave them in the house for your child to look at in their own time. If they like animations, they might be interested in watching our films. You could email them the link to look at in their own time.

Which courses are suitable for autistic children and teenagers to do themselves?

We have online courses specifically for autistic children and teenagers to do themselves. Click here.

Do I have to have a diagnosis of autism to be able to use your resources?

No, anyone can use our resources.

Where can I find a local support group or other individuals or families in the same position as me?

The National Autistic Society has an excellent directory to help people find local and national services. Click here.

My child finds it difficult to talk about their problems, but I think they would find your blogs and books helpful. How could I introduce them to your work without overwhelming them?

Here’s an example of an email you could send:

Hi,

I’m finding this website really helpful and I think you might too.

I thought this article in particular was very relevant to you: (link to most relevant blog post)

The founder of the website Alis Rowe was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was 22 and set up The Curly Hair Project to help others feel less anxious and isolated. (If relevant you could say, “she sounds a lot like you.”)

Feel free to log in to the website with (email address and password) and have a look at her blogs.

Alis has also written books which you might enjoy reading. Let me know if you would like to read any.

I am looking for an autistic counsellor/psychologist/health professional. Can you recommend anyone?

Have a look at The Neurodivergent Therapist website.

How can I make a donation to The Curly Hair Project?

We really appreciate donations, thank you. Please click here to go to the Donate page.

Don’t see your question here?

If you have any other Curly Hair Project FAQs or need further information, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help!