Bær Mig Som Jeg Er
“Carry Me As I Am”
Creative Workshop — autistic statements in textile print, created collectively.
A zebra among a herd of camels
“A workshop where participants meet others who understand what it is like to be a zebra among camels — autistic in a neurotypical society.”
Background
Far too many autistic young people and adults spend their lives masking their true selves in order to fit into social codes and institutional norms. This constant adaptation often leads to distress, loss of identity, and a deep sense of isolation. As a result, many autistic people find themselves outside of community, experience social anxiety, and struggle to find their way into meaningful forms of belonging.
Recent research shows that many adults — especially those over the age of 50 — live with autistic traits without ever having received a diagnosis. This points to an entire generation that has moved through life without language for their difference, often accompanied by a persistent feeling of being “wrong.”
Purpose of the project
With this project, we aim to create a safe and creative space where autistic people can express themselves on their own terms, strengthen their sense of identity, and transform lived social challenges into visible expressions and strengths.
The project aims to:
break down taboos and open conversations about autism
give participants tools to communicate their experiences through art and textile print
create a new and meaningful community for autistic and neurodivergent people across the country
We believe that art can open doors to understanding where words alone fall short. This is why the project is not only an art initiative, but also a visual articulation of life as an autistic person — experienced from the inside.
The workshop — a meaningful and co-creative process
1. Conversation and sharing
The workshop begins with a shared conversation about participants’ experiences in — and with — society. What does lived life with autism feel like? In what ways are participants often misunderstood?
This is a safe space where mutual understanding is possible because participants share similar experiences. Everyone is equal here — no experience is wrong.
2. Your message
What is your autistic message to the world? What do participants want others to understand about autism?
Each participant formulates their own sentences and statements.
3. Design your expression
Participants draw, design, or choose a symbol that fits their message. It can be simple or bold — it just needs to be theirs.
4. Print your shirt
The designs are printed onto recycled clothing. Participants are involved throughout the entire process, and each shirt is created through lived expertise and co-creation.
5. Take it with you
Participants leave with self-designed, unique garments — not just a piece of clothing, but a reminder of a meaningful, shared process.
Why do we do it this way?
Because the most important thing is not the shirt — the most important thing is the process.
Giving participants the space to dive into what feels difficult.
To explore vulnerability.
To put words to what others often fail to understand.
To leave with the feeling of not being alone.
The participants’ T-shirts become a symbol — a tangible proof that their experiences matter.
Continuation and grounding
The project’s workshops are not an ending, but the beginning of something larger.
The project continues as:
exhibitions of participants’ works and stories
grassroots research and method development within Neuro Pirates
digital platforms and living archives
production of approximately 300 prints on recycled clothing
The textile printer will be given a permanent home at Shocking Studios, located by SpaceShip 1 at Institut for X, and will become a lasting tool in Neuro Pirates’ work.
Long-term value
This project is designed as a long-term investment in people and meaningful communities. The experiences, expressions, and insights that emerge are collected and further developed across new formats and cities.
The project seeks in particular to reach those who grew up in a time when autism was not understood — and to say:
There is nothing wrong with you.
You are just a zebra, like us.
Join next workshop!
If you feel inspired by what you have just read…
[workshop date to be announced]
Next workshop is happening in ___ CITY NAME