Why a symbol matters: Puzzle vs Infinity vs Ribbon
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Randi-Lee
Over the years, there has been debate about what the right symbol is for autism (ASD) awareness. Previously, a puzzle piece was used; however, some disliked it, and a multi- coloured infinity symbol was born, as was the awareness ribbon.
Why the hate for the puzzle piece?
The National Library of Medicine shares:
“Common lore traces the use of puzzle pieces to represent autism to the United Kingdom. In 1963, the logo of a weeping child superimposed on a puzzle piece was created by a (non-autistic) parent-member of the National Autistic Society. Another (non-autistic) parent-member later related that “the puzzle piece is so effective because it tells us something about autism: Our children are handicapped by a puzzling condition; this isolates them from normal human contact and therefore they do not ‘fit in’” (National Autistic Society, 2007).”
This original symbol was created about 20 years after autism was ‘discovered’. The use of the term autism was around longer; however, it was not a diagnosis until 1943.
There was little information about autism in 1963, and families could think it was a puzzling condition and that their children would never fit in. The symbol the parent created was a result of their lack of understanding of something that would have made their lives incredibly difficult.
Others dislike the use of the puzzle piece as it is associated with the organization Autism Speaks America. They took out the crying child and used a blue puzzle piece.
This organization has run campaigns that made Autism seem like a horrible disease and something that you should want to eradicate. The article Autism no puzzle, nothing wrong with us goes into more detail.
Why an infinity symbol?
CareScribe shares an article written by Dr. Richard Purcell in which he states “Today, the Autism Infinity Symbol highlights the complexity of the autistic spectrum. People with autism show a wide variety of strengths and weaknesses. But there is also an infinite number of variations – no two people with autism operate in the same way.”
An awareness ribbon
Many illnesses, diseases, disorders, etc., use awareness ribbons. ASD is no different.
There are different styles to choose from, but the main thing remains the same - the ribbon is very recognizable to those outside of the ASD community and therefore will know you are raising awareness.
Which is right? The simple answer is all and none. There is no consensus on which symbol is the ‘correct’ one to use; everyone has their own opinions and reasons for choosing each symbol.
My Experiences Having been diagnosed late in life, it always felt as if something was missing. When I finally had a word to put to my experiences, it was like finding the last piece of the puzzle (I also happen to love puzzles).
Even as a parent to a child with autism, when the doctor finally gave her the diagnosis, it was again like a missing piece being given to us to use to help her. Up until that point, my husband and I knew something was different, but the school system would not make any real accommodations without a diagnosis. It was a constant struggle until the diagnosis, and there is still a struggle, but we have a direction in understanding.
An infinity symbol means forever, and when I see it, I feel like it is telling me I will struggle forever. I don't want that. I love the multi-colours used in the symbol, bringing together all aspects of who a person is.
So, at the end of the day, it comes down to preference. There isn’t one right answer to what symbol should be used, so long as you respect the person you are trying to help. We all have different experiences that shape how we view each symbol.
And as the saying goes, “if you have met one person with autism, you have met 1 person with autism!”
On April 2 (Autism Awareness Day), seek out information to learn more about what autism is and what experiences people with autism have. You will be surprised by what you can learn when you listen with openness.
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