Symbols for Autism: What Do They Mean?
When you hear “symbols of autism”, what do you imagine? You might think of the puzzle, the colour, the infinity symbol, or the butterfly. This article will examine some of these symbols and what they represent, as well as how autistic supporters feel about them.
While researching this article, it was a pleasure to speak with individuals who have autism and autism advocates, such as Thomas McKean. He was diagnosed with autism at the age of 14 and is a passionate advocate for ASD. Please keep in mind their differing viewpoints when using these symbols.
Is The Puzzle A Symbol Of Autism?
Autism is not represented by a single symbol, but the puzzle piece is the one that is most commonly recognized.
Joe Omichinski is autistic and when I spoke to him, he said: “The symbols that I most associate with Autism are the puzzle piece, as well as the colour blue.” If I were to choose a favourite colour, it would be blue. It is my favourite colour.
Thomas McKean who was among 15 people to help create the Autism Awareness Month and the interlocking multi-coloured puzzle pieces ribbon, said: “I associate this multi-coloured piece of the puzzle with autism.” It is, as far as I know, the official autism symbol. “When you see it, it’s obvious what it is. It represents autism.”
Catherine Blatnik is a parent, and autism advocate and agrees with Thomas on Thomas’ view of the puzzle piece. She said: “I associate autism with two symbols – the puzzle piece and the Autism Awareness ribbon. The puzzle piece is a symbol that I find appealing because it’s instantly recognizable. “I don’t see it as if my son has autism is missing something’, but that he is uniquely unique in his way.”
Katie Esme, mother to two children with Autism and a passionate autism advocate from Canada, said that she did not believe one symbol could be used to represent autism. There isn’t a symbol that our family prefers more than another.
She added, “I keep an open-minded mind, recognizing that some people may connect to all of the symbols while others will only connect to one.” As a supporter, it is my responsibility to love and support what people connect with and to realize that not everyone must agree.
Autism Symbols: The four most common ones
As we have seen, the puzzle is not the only way to represent autism. Below I’ll list some of the most common symbols, colors, and images that represent the autism community.
1. Multi-colored puzzle pieces ribbon
The multi-coloured interlocking piece of the puzzle is the symbol most people associate autism with. The 15 people who created this symbol, some of them autistic and others autism advocates, were all involved in the creation.
Thomas McKean states in his article “The Autism Puzzle Piece Logo – What it Means” that the puzzle pattern represents the unknowns and the way autism is diagnosed.
The colours are meant to represent autism, the people diagnosed with it, and the hope that everyone will understand and accept them. The puzzle piece has caused controversy in the autistic community.
Paula Jessop, an adult autistic, writes in her article “Autism No Puzzle, Nothing Wrong With Us” that some people see the puzzle as a hint that those on the spectrum may be missing a part of themselves.
Paula said that the symbol was problematic for autistic because the campaign around the symbol felt negative. She felt that when the puzzle piece was placed on a ribbon it implied autism was a disorder and needed help to ” treat autism”.
2. Campaign Light it Up Blue
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2. Light It Up Blue is one way to mark the day.
Autism advocates and supporters of autism are encouraged to wear the colour blue on this day. Blue lights are placed in tourist attractions like Niagara Falls, Empire State Building, etc.
Some members of the public have interpreted the campaign as autism, and the color blue.
3. Butterfly
The butterfly is a symbol that represents change, and the diversity of individuals on the spectrum. The butterfly symbol also represents the diversity of people on the autism spectrum and their full lives.
Some advocates suggest that the butterfly can be used to replace the puzzle piece.
4. Infinity sign in gold or rainbow
Infinity is a relatively new symbol that was created by neurodiversity activists to be used anywhere and at any time. The first time the symbol was used was on Autistic Pride Day, June 18th 2005.
The symbol was designed from a different perspective from previous ones and is meant to be used all year long. Infinity was created with a rainbow spectrum to raise awareness about the diversity of neurodivergent people.
The Symbols Are As Varied As The Conditions
It is difficult to choose a single autism symbol. As the parent of an autistic child, I don’t think it would be fair to represent all the experiences of the autism community using just one symbol.
Despite the efforts of many organizations and events to create autism symbols, they have not been able to capture all perspectives. Each family or individual affected by Autism may have a unique symbol that reflects their journey and experiences.
The goal is to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion of autistic people in society. This can be accomplished through the use of a wide range of symbols that are chosen according to personal preferences.
FAQs
Q. What colours represent autism?
A: Colours that represent autism include blues and puzzle pieces in different shades, which symbolize the diversity and complexity of the spectrum. These symbols are meant to promote awareness and acceptance of people with autism.
Q. Is the infinity sign for autism?
A: No, the infinity sign is not widely recognized as a symbol for autism. Even though some people and organizations have used it to represent autism there is no universally accepted symbol.
Q. What colour is used to mark Autism Awareness Day?
A. The most common colour associated with Autism Awareness Day is light blue. It is a symbol of support and understanding of individuals on the spectrum.
