Think Twice Before Posting the Blue Puzzle Piece

April is Autism Awareness Month.  Autism is a developmental disorder that presents on a wide spectrum of abilities.  Most often communication and social interactions are affected to some degree.  In support of Autism Awareness Month, many people post puzzle pieces or the puzzle piece ribbon on their social media.  The support of their friends with Autism is great; however, there has been a call in the past several years to stop using the puzzle piece as a symbol for Autism.  

The puzzle piece was used in 1963 to symbolize how puzzling Autism is.  The original logo had a weeping child on it to show how they suffered with their condition.  Today, many people with Autism have expressed dislike for the use of the puzzle piece.  They do not feel that they are a puzzle to be solved, or have a piece missing, or need to “fit in.” Also, a puzzle is a child’s game; but Autism is not just a childhood disorder.

A recent study on people’s perceptions of puzzle pieces, and specifically the Autism puzzle piece, showed that the public has a negative view.  Months after this study was published, Autism, a major research journal focused on Autism, removed the puzzle piece from its cover and will no longer use this symbol in relation to Autism.

However, some Autism-focused organizations continue to use the puzzle piece as their logo.  Autism Speaks feels that their symbol of the blue puzzle piece has brought a lot of attention and research to the cause and will continue to use it.  

While the puzzle piece may not be offensive to all people with Autism, it is to many. So, how can we show our support for the Autistic community?  The infinity symbol as well as a rainbow spectrum have recently been used.  If you have a friend or loved one with Autism, a good idea is to ask them how they would like you to show your support!