East London, 13 March 2026: This Human Rights Day, Vincent Park is opening its doors to the community for a day of learning, understanding and connection at its Autism Awareness Fair. In partnership with the ELAN – Empowering Lives, Affirming Neurodiversity organisation, formerly known as the East London Autism Network on Saturday 21 March, the centre invites families, caregivers and shoppers to explore practical support, meet experts and join conversations that celebrate neurodiversity.
Learn from Experts and Explore Support
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a range of professionals, including speech therapists, counselling services, drama facilitators, a qualified yoga specialist and representatives from Autism South Africa and Makaton. The University of Fort Hare and local sensory toy providers will also be present, offering practical advice, tools and experiences that support autistic individuals and their families.
Breaking Myths and Encouraging Understanding
The fair will also tackle common misconceptions about autism, such as the ideas that meltdowns are bad behaviour, autism looks the same in everyone or autistic people do not want friends. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, visitors can gain insight, ask questions and feel confident supporting the autistic community.
“ELAN is thrilled to be hosting the fair at Vincent Park. We are grateful for the support we have received from the centre and its staff. We hope that all visitors will gain valuable knowledge about autism,” shared Claire Macdonald co-founder of ELAN.
Vincent Park hopes the event will spark meaningful conversations, reduce stigma and make support more accessible. By hosting the fair in the centre, families can connect with trained professionals in a welcoming space while enjoying the community around them. Attendance to the fair is free.
Visit the mall’s website for more information: www.vincentpark.co.za or follow the mall on social media for regular updates.
ENDS