Vanish has launched a new campaign, in association with the charity, Ambitious about Autism to raise awareness and support autistic girls and non-binary people. Vanish’s brand purpose is to help make clothes last longer and clothes lasting longer can be really important within the autistic community, as new research reveals how clothing can be an essential source of comfort for 8 in 10 autistic girls and non-binary people – who are three times less likely to be diagnosed than boys.
To mark World Autism Acceptance Week, a new free exhibition hosted by Vanish named Me, My Autism & I” will be opening to the public from the Wednesday 29th March to Sunday 2nd April. Vanish aims to educate and raise awareness on how clothing familiarity and consistency impacts the daily lives of autistic girls and non-binary – who are three times less likely to be diagnosed than boys.
Making clothes last longer matters for us all, but for some the longevity of a familiar piece of clothing means so much. The exhibition showcases the intimate and powerful stories of 12 young autistic girls and non-binary people, and their must-have clothing items that help make their world more comfortable.
Research by Vanish and charity partner Ambitious about Autism discovered that 7 in 10 (70%) autistic girls and non-binary rely on consistency and familiarity to thrive, with clothing helping regulate their senses, and an attachment to an item of clothing led one in three girls and non-binary people to realise they have autism.
The multi-sensory space is part of a wider campaign by Vanish which aims to raise awareness and spark conversation by sharing multiple stories of autistic girls and non-binary people. surround living with and being around people with autism – while encouraging others to also share their stories on living with autism. Visitors will be able to explore the physical and digital stories to get a 3D perspective of the clothes and understand the impact living with autism has on these girls and non-binary people and their everyday life. ‘Me, My Autism & I’ aims to leave people inspired to continue an ongoing conversation to help the autistic community to get the support they need to fulfil their potential.
Please note: this exhibition space can fit up to 150 people and is Autism Spectrum Disorder friendly, with visitors able to take a break whilst viewing the exhibition in a quiet retreat space featuring dimmed lighting, bean bags, noise cancelling headphones and fidget spinners. The quite retreat space can only fit 2/3 people at a time.
Other amenities include toilets which are located in the Oxo Tower (staff on hand to provide guidance
