HEALTH & WELLBEING WORLD AUTISM DAY


April 2 is World Autism Day and we came across a local social enterprise which is working to support people living with or affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).


The Curly Hair Project (CHP) was set up by Teddington-based Alis Rowe in 2013. Alis has spoken openly about having Asperger’s Syndrome and shares her experience as part of the project.


How did you discover that you had Asperger’s


Syndrome? I became aware that I was different in my teenage years but I didn’t understand why I didn’t fit in.


I was 22 when I got my diagnosis. I read about it in books and on the


About autism...


There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK – that’s more than 1 in 100.


Autism is a spectrum condition so every individual is affected differently.


Common symptoms include: • delayed or absent speech • problems listening, concentrating and understanding


• repetition of words and phrases


• difficulty interpreting and expressing feelings


• sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, smell or light


• rituals or repetitive behaviours


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• disliking changes to routine


• difficulty making friends and socialising


Autism is a developmental disability but it can cause mental health problems – such as anxiety or eating disorders. For children this can be particularly hard with seven in ten autistic children experiencing mental health problems.


To get a diagnosis for yourself or your child, your first port of call is your GP. There is a lot of information available at www.autism.org.uk and www.childautism.org.uk


internet and recognised a lot of the symptoms.


What is your ambition for


the Curly Hair Project? I started the project Project to help women – and girls – with ASDs. But the project isn’t limited to females. We offer workshops and training to businesses, schools, professionals, individuals and families to improve understanding of autism and help people have happier, more fulfilling lives.


What autism training do you


do for children? I have worked with schools to create a play where children can act out a 25-minute story based upon a day at school. The main character – the girl with the curly hair – has autism.


The script highlights how different people can experience the very normal school day. Some people can find certain things fun, but others will find the same thing stressful.


The sessions are interactive with Q&A and discussions afterwards with the children and some activities. It’s a good way to help children develop empathy and understanding, from a young age, of people who may be different.


What can adults do when dealing with autistic


children? The main thing is to be direct and specific with your communication. Don’t assume a person has understood what you have said and be very clear.


You can find out more about The Curly Hair Project and Alis’ story at thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk


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