Let’s be honest; navigating the world as a neurodivergent girlie brings unexpected challenges. The needs of women on the autism spectrum are different, overlooked, and underserved- and they need special care.
To women on the spectrum, major life changes like getting your period for the first time- can be totally overwhelming. Realising this problem, Nana collaborated with Saatchi & Saatchi to create “Ruby Blooms,” the world’s first sensory guidebook, designed to help young girls on the autism spectrum navigate their periods.
This book is a game changer, as it’s a sensory-first guidebook to your period. Every page of “Ruby Blooms” was created with girls on the spectrum in mind, transforming period education entirely. And we’re here for it.
Learning, minus overwhelm
Girls on the spectrum are overstimulated easily, and periods can be a topic that is difficult to approach for everyone, due to social taboos. Through calming colours, soft textures, and clear illustrations, Ruby Blooms helps autistic girls explore what a period might look, feel, sound, and even smell like. From the texture of a pad to the rustle it makes, every sensory detail is introduced with care, easing anxiety, building familiarity, and helping prevent overload when the real experience begins.
Romy Abou Tayeh, Senior Brand Manager ME at Essity, shares, “Nana is a brand that stands for inclusivity, continuously working on breaking taboos and providing women with the knowledge and support they need. It was time to extend this commitment to girls with autism, ensuring they feel included and receive the right guidance when being introduced to periods. Everyone deserves the confidence and comfort to navigate this important stage of life, and we are here to make that happen.”
Breaking taboos
Speaking about periods is not always an approachable topic, and is often covered with shame or secrecy. Michele Karaa, Regional Marketing Manager MEA at Essity, shared, “Periods are never just periods, especially in a region where such topics are still considered taboo. Our mission has always been about breaking taboos and making periods easier for all women, without exception. This initiative ensures that young girls on the spectrum receive the education and support they deserve, tailored specifically to their needs.”
Ruby Blooms is changing the stigma, and aiding the underserved needs of women on the spectrum. “’Ruby Blooms’ represents creativity with purpose—addressing a genuine, often overlooked need. We’re proud to partner with Nana on such an important project that will profoundly impact many lives,” shared Sebastien Boutebel, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi.
Non-neurotypical women slay too! And we’re here for it. Women on the autism spectrum deserve the tools to thrive- and live their best lives with ease, support, and enclusivity. Check out these Saudi henna artists who are breaking taboos of period stains.