World Autism Awareness Day 2024
Those of us on the autism spectrum see the world from a different perspective.
"Autism is part of who I am." - Temple Grandin
As today is World Autism Awareness Day, I would like to raise awareness on why many of us on the spectrum dislike the puzzle piece symbol that is always prevalent this time of year.
The puzzle piece symbol was created by the National Autistic Society, who chose a puzzle piece because they seem to believe we "suffer" from a "puzzling" condition that needs to be "solved". Autism Speaks, another organization that appears to hold the same view, also adopted the puzzle piece symbol.
As such, I'm sure you can understand why many of us distance ourselves from this symbol. Autism isn't a puzzle that needs to be solved. We do face many challenges, yes, but what we have is a disability, not a disease. Instead of trying to fix what isn't broken, why not provide us with accommodations, empathy, and acceptance, yes?
For those still wishing to publicly display a symbol to show their solidarity and support for the autistic community, good news, we designed our own: the rainbow infinite symbol. It represents our pride, neurodiversity, and limitless potential. Thanks for reading. Until next time, love, peace, and chicken grease.
Accept. Understand. Love.