The puzzle symbol has a gotten a bad name

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My name is Richard; I am the father of a teen with autism. Sarah was diagnosed at 18 months (about 13 years ago) and for more then the last 10 years I have been working to raise autism awareness…I’m telling you this because I am new to this community, but I am not new to the challenges of loving someone with autism…

So I come to you as a (recently described) NT, to open a discussion that I’m sure may leave me battered and bruised along the way.

The Autism Puzzle Ribbon and Puzzle pieces used to raise autism awareness seem to have gotten a bad name over the past few years. It makes me sad because they are symbols that are recognized around the world witch has been demonstrated on this site alone.

I was unable to fine the exact date the symbols started to be used, but I personally have used them since the early to mid 90's and to me they have always been a positive message to the community.

The Autism Awareness Ribbon:
The puzzle pattern reflects the mystery and complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope—hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through early intervention and appropriate treatments, people with autism will lead fuller, more complete lives.

Looking at this as a reference to me its saying...

The pattern - no one really understands what autism is, what causes it or how to treat it. some people with autism would say hey I don't need to be cured leave me alone...but all not everyone with autism is so lucky and need our help.

The colors - rich, poor, white, black, boy, girl, straight, gay, tall, short, fat, skinny,... you can not hide autism will find us all...

The brightness - hope, working together, being one voice, your voice, my voice...some originations are trying to be the only voice...every cause needs to have a symbol that unites all people from all canners of the world...the original ribbon was introduces to us caring people with you in mind, people from all over the world recognize it....

From where I stand...on the other side of the fence and seeing your comments, such as

- I'm another who really finds the who jigsaw puzzle idea quite uncomfortable.
- Do we not fit? Are we still some sort of impossible puzzle? Or is it that we're actually missing bits?
- and I do not like it, regardless of what organization it is or isn't associated with.
- Puzzle pieces are used by Autism Speaks, which most autistics don't like.
- Personally I abhor the puzzle logo. I'm not a puzzle.


I would like to say that I don't feel that anyone thinks of anyone here as puzzle. The ribbon and the puzzle pieces are a positive symbol of support know world wide.

From where I stand...on the other side of the fence (as an NT) and seeing your comments, such as

- I'm another who really finds the who jigsaw puzzle idea quite uncomfortable.
- Do we not fit? Are we still some sort of impossible puzzle? Or is it that we're actually missing bits?
- and I do not like it, regardless of what organization it is or isn't associated with.
- Puzzle pieces are used by Autism Speaks, which most autistics don't like.
- Personally I abhor the puzzle logo. I'm not a puzzle.


I would like to say that I don't feel that anyone thinks of anyone here as puzzle. The ribbon and the puzzle pieces are a positive symbol of support know world wide.

A lot of people are offering services to people in the spectrum use the some form of the puzzle or ribbon to help identify themselves to others.

Autism Speaks has only been around since 2005 I feel it would be a shame to have one organization over shadow the good work of others.

I’m not trying to argue or get anyone upset at me…I feel

The puzzle piece when displayed in the proper fashion has always represented autism and only represents a cause not an origination…

To me it unites us all to one cause...

I have always liked the puzzle ribbon, I love puzzles and I think of it as a positive thing! I must have missed the days when people were talking about it, but I would have spoken up and said that I like it!

only problem with it is the use from autism speaks, which isn't a big deal anyway.

people will forget about them, the puzzle ribbon was here 1st, nobody that matters even knows they are a bad bunch. People don't follow the news. I'm suprised by how many people only know their name not what they do

I think the puzzle ribbon lacks a clear definition of exactly what about autism it is trying to raise awareness for and what an organization intends to do about it (whether find a cure or improve independent living and socializtion or anything in between). I think that some other ribbons have that same problem too.

I understand that, but Autism Speaks has only been around since 2005. a lot of hard work came before them and is done by people outside their organization today.

Your comments are true. but even today we have trouble defining autism, how wide the spectrum is, what causes it, many here would argue they don't want a cure...many parents would disagree.

The ribbon is not perfect; I only suggest it stands as a symbol of once voice echoed around the world and that we are all on the same team.

Personally, I have always liked the puzzle piece! I take the puzzle piece image as is, which means I do not insert meanings into the symbol - it is what it is. Further, I consider the puzzle piece descriptive of Autism since, by definition, Autism is analytical thought relative to holistic thought of Neurotypicals. That is, we assimilate the pieces into a Gestalt whole. This is a cogent way of thought and elegant as well.
That's why I like the puzzle piece.

I suppose one could 'insert' meanings, that the puzzle pieces might means X, Y, or Z - but that may be contrived. Also, I am proud of being Autistic (although being Autistic is hard); Autistic thought is truly a gift.

The ribbon symbol is fine too - means what it means: To support Autism Awareness. Both are positive, not derogatory or meant in a degrading way. True, I do not support AutismSpeaks, but the puzzle piece is automous of AutismSpeaks.

Related, Neurodiveristy just means what it says: To appreciate that we are all diverse. And that's a positive statement, nothing more and nothing less.

In any case, good point SarasDad.

....really hope we're not going to get slammed on this one <sheepishly watching, waiting for potential Kaboom>

By analogy: I'm not a religious person but I certainly accept those who are (even appreciate). When another says, "Merry Christmas" or even "God Bless You" this is MEANT as good will - not that the individual is pushing their beliefs upon you. These are kind greetings and not intended to be misconstrued as something else. Still, some individuals consider a heartfelt "Merry Christmas" as negative. Whatever.

I like to see the colorful puzzle piece displayed - a symbol of Autism and awareness. If one is going to be upset about something regarding Autism, then let that be hateful sentiments, the mistreatment of others and discrimination.

BELOW: Let the hashing begin. Lab Pet is now looking away.
Sigh.....

Personally I hope your right…

Way past my bed time...but I wanted to say thank you all for your responses so far...I too am waiting for the potential Kaboom

Good night...

But we're not all on the same team. Some favor a cure, some are dead set against it, some want to let research for a cure continue but only use it in the most severe cricumstances, some promote unproven diets, some are for the use of meds and some are against, some parents and professionals favor the use of abusive "therapies" that most on the spectrum would abhor. There are a lot of different teams when it comes to autism advocacy and none of them have a monopoly on the use of the puzzle logo.

So close to sleep, but had to take one more look…darn computer...3 hours before I need to get up and head into work.

What gets me the most about what you said is I have been saying it others over the years, but never tied it to the symbol we are talking about now…so tonight I feel like I have been blind and deaf to what others have said. Because your comments are not new they have been around since the beginning...long before me anyways.

Nice! That's how I feel too!

I have nothing against it. Heck, I wear one on my shirt.

Autism is puzzling. That's what it is supposed to mean, among other things. That's the main one, though.

Do not worry Sarasdad.The ribbon is a symbol of AS, for people with AS and NT are trying to place the pieces together.

Some people are just mean.I wish you luck with your daughter.