Why I don’t like the puzzle piece as a symbol for autism

[Progster]

Why do we have to have a symbol anyway?

 

[Neonatal RRT]

The autism "puzzle piece" was designed in 1963. Autism Speaks was organized in 2005. So, one, has nothing to do with the other, per se.

Now, consider the context and perspective, here. What did we know, and not know, about autism in 1963? Who was being diagnosed with autism in 1963? I am almost certain, it was not the so-called "high-functioning"/ASD-1/Asperger's variants, but rather the most severe of cases. This is important when we are discussing the topic, not only from the autistic individual's point of view, but also the parents, and the scientific community and the working knowledge of the condition.

When someone in 2023, with an ASD-1/Asperger's variant speaks of the metaphorical, symbolic, interpretation of the "puzzle piece" logo, it's often with an entirely different perspective and context. One can be offended with the logo, what it appears to mean, which organization is using it, etc. but I don't think we should be offended, given that it has far less to do with ASD-1/Asperger's variants in 2023, but more of those that were severely affected by the condition, as well as, the working knowledge of the condition in 1963. As they say, "apples and oranges".

At best, perhaps, if we wanted to create a new logo or symbol to represent us, that is fine, if we think we need one. I am not much into "identity" or "virtue signaling" as some people. I don't give it much thought. The old "puzzle piece" probably just needs to "retire" as it isn't as "inclusive", nor represents the autistic community, nor the current knowledge of the condition, nor the attitudes towards it, in 2023.

https://www.sarahdooleycenter.org/news/autism-puzzle-piece-design/
https://www.autismtalkclub.com/what... the,ASD among peers of kids on the spectrum.

 

[Tom]

I guess I am out of step with most here so far. I don't mind it, or the infinity symbol, or if it was a camel on skis.

And I do like aspects of them. I like being hard to pin down, like being somewhat mysterious. The puzzle piece can reflect that. And the infinity symbol has a sort of spacey 'who knows what it means?' feel to me. That kind of describes me.

But I mostly don't care. I guess I have never felt a impulse towards activisim nor do I strive towards classification of people. I think I am actually a little repelled by identity culture and psychology. I think it in a way takes away from individualism.

 

[AO1501]

I neither care or don't care about the puzzle piece. It matters not in the slightest. In a world where we tend to point out that we're all different, there isn't a hope in hell any symbol can represent us anyway, and given most NTs seem to have no idea what autism actually is, I doubt you'd find a consistency of view among them as to what the symbol truly means.

But if the puzzle piece tells them in any way at all that we're not the same and perhaps they need to work out how we fit in, then it's doing a useful job. And if it's not doing even that, then it's just a shape, and means nothing.

 

[Nervous Rex]

I agree - I dislike the "puzzle piece" symbol because of its association with Autism Speaks.

As for what other symbol would be better - I don't really care that deeply. I don't think I need a symbol, but if others want a symbol, go for it.

 

[Crossbreed]

I like the panda bear for black & white thinkers , perhaps the panda could sit on top of a box.

Siberian tigers, skunks & zebras are all black & white, too.
Besides, pandas have notorious table manners!

 

[firemansam2024]

i personally don't care if people use the puzzle piece. most people who use it are parents of autistic children, who really love their children, but are misinformed about what the puzzle piece symbol promotes. i don't think autism needs a symbol in general.

 

[Au Naturel]

The puzzle piece implies I am a puzzle to be solved. Or is it that I'm incomplete, that I have a piece missing?

 

[Au Naturel]

Siberian tigers, skunks & zebras are all black & white, too.
Besides, pandas have notorious table manners!

I like skunks!

 

[Crossbreed]

The puzzle piece implies I am a puzzle to be solved. Or is it that I'm incomplete, that I have a piece missing?

Or the rest of the puzzle (society at large) is missing you...
(Or does not know what to do with you... )

 

[Crossbreed]

...the panda could sit on top of a box.

A penguin on an ice cube, perhaps...?

 

[Raggamuffin]

Re-watching Father Ted, and there's a scene where Father Dougal is doing a puzzle with Ted.

He can't get a piece to fit, so he gets some scissors and cuts the top off the piece, so it fits.

Ed

 

[bluhmaster]

for me, i dont really like it because its association with autism sp3@ks and the little meaning that we're just a puzzle to be solved or we're missing something from our brain

 

[velociraptor]

the notion that a cure is needed

Well, not for me, but I'm at the very high-functioning end (yes I know that offends some, but it's an accurate description of my status). The parents of someone who is so profoundly affected that he/she is non-verbal other than hours on end of screaming may feel differently about the need for a cure.

 

[Crossbreed]

The parents of someone who is so profoundly affected that he/she is non-verbal other than hours on end of screaming may feel differently about the need for a cure.

Besides my being ASD1, the above is me, but it is their severe co-morbids (not their autism) that needs to be cured or prevented, if possible. Such being cured is not common, but prevention is doable.

 

[Crossbreed]

Another possible symbol/mascot,...
axolotl
(from Wikipedia)
...is a paedomorphic salamander, one that matures without undergoing metamorphosis into the terrestrial adult form;...

 

[Judge]

I see so much irony in the use of the puzzle piece.

Not only because it instantly is identified with the agenda of "Autism Speaks", but even more so in that it reflects that WE neurodiverse, are a "puzzle" to THEM neurotypicals. Not a particularly helpful perspective.

Perhaps the best course of action is not to have any symbol at all which would reflect a clear understanding of who and what we are, particularly because science is clearly not there yet.

 

[velociraptor]

it is their severe co-morbids (not their autism)

Oft-times the screaming is a core feature or manifestation of the ASD because of the disruption in communication that is caused by the condition or a meltdown from ASD sensory overload. A way to help those profoundly impaired is a good thing. Just keep whatever it is that helps them away from me. I'm good, thanks.

 

[WhitewaterWoman]

Another possible symbol/mascot,...
axolotl
(from Wikipedia)
...is a paedomorphic salamander, one that matures without undergoing metamorphosis into the terrestrial adult form;...

Why? A mascot that never matures? One that is endangered?

Not only because it instantly is identified with the agenda of "Autism Speaks", but even more so in that it reflects that WE neurodiverse, are a "puzzle" to THEM neurotypicals. Not a particularly helpful perspective

I like the interpretation. To NTs we are a puzzle they don’t understand.

 

[velociraptor]

To NTs we are a puzzle they don’t understand.

I love puzzles. It's as much fun for me to stare at the box of pieces and see all the ones that connect flashing out to me from the rest as it is to assemble the puzzle itself. The best way to assemble a puzzle is upside down without seeing the picture, makes it more of a challenge.

I would love to get a puzzle that is just all white for the picture.