It seems as we flip the calendar each month, there’s a new “awareness” month taking place. For example, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, while in October our attention turns to Breast Cancer Awareness. In most cases, there is a symbol and a color associated with the topic to be aware of, such as the gold and pink ribbons for Childhood Cancer Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness, respectively. Certain symbols and colors make it easy to identify the observance, but what happens when the original symbol is no longer relevant or the public’s perception of that symbol changes?
That’s exactly what’s been happening within the Autism community in recent years. Not only has there been a call to move away from the original symbol for awareness, but also to replace the word awareness with acceptance, and it’s all for very valid reasons. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.
We’re taking a trip back to the 1960s when the puzzle piece designed by Gerald Gasson, a board member for the Autistic Children Association, was adopted as the symbol of autism. In addition to serving on the board, Gasson was a parent of individuals with autism, and the symbol he designed was accepted because “the situations of individuals with autism are also full of unknowns like puzzle pieces…the symbol was used because of the desire to fit the individuals with autism who cannot fully adapt to their environment due to the differences in their brains into society as if it were a puzzle piece, ” according to Good Autism School.
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The puzzle piece symbol, which originally included an image of a crying child before eventually being replaced with vibrant colors, was initially accepted by autism organizations because it hadn’t been used in this kind of context before. It also really stood out from symbols and logos used for commercial purposes at the time.
Over time, as more was discovered about the autism spectrum, the puzzle piece symbol began to be viewed in a negative light by the autism community. Those who spoke out in opposition said they felt it created the impression that autism was a riddle to be solved or that those with the condition were incomplete. The criticism over the puzzle piece symbol was handed over to the Autism Research Journal’s editors, who initiated the process of updating the symbol.
The group’s research led them to think about the autism spectrum and move toward a symbol that represents it more fully. In February 2018, the puzzle piece was replaced with a rainbow-colored infinity symbol to represent a spectrum, diversity, and difference. It removes the idea that those with autism are missing parts or are incomplete and that “Having a lack does not make me less human than the rest of the world, ” (Good Autism School).
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Not long after the new symbol was introduced, a push to pivot away from references of Autism Awareness Month began. In March 2021, the Autism Society of America along with leading disability organizations in America announced it was shifting to refer to April as Autism Acceptance Month.
In a press release, the Autism Society of America shared that acceptance is one of the major barriers individuals and families impacted by autism face as they work to find and develop their support systems. Many members of the autism community along with their advocates across America have long-used the term “acceptance” as it indicates “more fully integrating those 1 in 54 Americans living with autism into our social fabric.” This includes the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, which has positioned April as Autism Acceptance Month since 2011.
The Autism Society of America also stated that “The shift in terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services.”
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Along with these shifts in symbolism and terminology, there is a pivot in how those on the autism spectrum are now considered neurodivergent. In the late 1990s, sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic, first began using the term neurodiversity. The term “refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. And people who have these features also have certain strengths, ” according to WebMD. In other words, neurodivergent individuals are simply built differently, rather than missing something, broken or disabled. Other types of neurodiversity include attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, hyperlexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), among others.
As we learn more about conditions that impact members of society, it’s important to think about the words and symbols that are associated with them. You also have to factor in how society and our perceptions change over time and how that impacts the way others view a situation, and adjust the images and messages associated with the things for which awareness should be raised. Changes like these are good because it provides the opportunity to not only be more inclusive but also to have images and messages that better resonate with our audiences.
Is your logo, brand symbol, or name perceived how you intend, or are changes needed to shine a better light on your efforts and all the good you’re doing in the world? If you think a brand refresh may be in order, we can help! Contact us to request a consult so we can learn more about what you’re doing and start a conversation about how we can help transform your brand and message so you’re putting your best foot forward when presenting your business or organization to others.When you visit the new building at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism, you’ll walk into a place that’s designed specifically to provide autism therapy and conduct research. Every inch of space benefits our students.
Autism Awareness Concept With Hand Of Puzzle Pieces As Symbol Of Autism. Royalty Free Svg, Cliparts, Vectors, And Stock Illustration. Image 68571005
In addition to the expansive, well-lit, and welcoming areas throughout, you’ll see colorful autism puzzle piece designs that are displayed prominently on the wall. The symbol is known across the world as a representation of autism, but what does it actually mean? Let’s explore the history and meaning behind the multi-colored puzzle piece and learn why this symbol is significant to the autism community.
We can trace the history of the autism puzzle piece to 1963. That year, Gerald Gasson, a parent and board member of the National Autistic Society in London, designed the puzzle piece.
The first logo of its kind, the puzzle piece featured green and black colors with an outline of a crying child in the center. The entire design shared the commonly held belief that autism is a puzzling condition filled with unknown riddles and astonishing problems. The child inside the puzzle piece symbolized how people with autism suffer from and struggle with their condition.
The Problem With The Autism Puzzle Piece
In 1999, the Autism Society of America designed a puzzle piece ribbon. The symbol was developed as a tool to raise awareness. The puzzle piece signifies the complexity of the autism spectrum. The ribbon represents the diversity of individuals with autism and their families. The bright colors indicate the hope that access to early interventions and appropriate services and support will equip individuals with autism to lead full lives.
Autism Speaks, founded in 2005, is a global organization that has adopted the blue puzzle piece as its logo. Used to spread autism awareness, this recognizable symbol reminds viewers of the continued search for answers to the causes of autism. The tool also acknowledges the diverse abilities, strengths. and challenges of people with autism.
Also, the puzzle piece represents the desire for understanding and acceptance of individuals on the spectrum. The color blue suggests that more males than females receive a formal diagnosis.
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Today, the original puzzle piece design has evolved. The puzzle piece is now bright yellow, red, green, and blue. It also symbolizes the long way we’ve come in our understanding of autism.
With research and education, practitioners, parents, and people with autism have learned that suffering is optional and that it is possible to live productive, fulfilled, and abundant lives. Despite our advances in understanding, the puzzle piece remains a highly recognized international symbol of autism awareness.
For starters, the puzzle piece represents the way we come together to support individuals with autism. From parents and family members to therapists, physicians, teachers, and support personnel, a team of caring people surrounds individuals and supports them with holistic care.
The Puzzle Piece
Each unique puzzle piece reminds us of how every person with autism is different. As we know, autism is a spectrum, and everyone with autism experiences it differently. Each individual also has different interests, abilities, and skills. In the autism community, every individual receives a personalized treatment plan based on their needs.
Rather than focus on the Autism puzzle piece design as an image of what’s missing, we can see it as the key to unlocking a person’s potential. With an understanding of how autism affects each individual, we can create a treatment plan, offer services and teach skills that enhance each person’s unique life purpose and goals.
The puzzle piece also prompts us to see the big picture. In addition to current victories and challenges, the individual has overcome many challenges and has future
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