Is the Puzzle Piece a
Negative Symbol?
Is it really a negative symbol? It is so well-known to
people that getting rid of the puzzle piece symbol may affect the public’s
perception of awareness. In other words, they are used to seeing the puzzle
piece when referring to autism so they may not recognize a new symbol. In addition,
many people like the puzzle piece symbol as it refers to everyone is different
but we
are all part of the whole. According to the creator, Gerald Gasson,
a parent of a child with autism as well as a board member of the National
Autistic Society, the symbol was used to depict the fact that it is a complex
and puzzling condition. Another group, Team Autism 24/7, states that “the
interlocking, mutli-colored puzzle piece has become the international symbol of
autism. Its significance has become multi-faceted. For some it represents the
mystery and complexity of the disorder, for others it represents the mechanical
nature of an autistic person’s thought process. The bright colors are said to
represent hope.” The Autism
Society decided to use a puzzle ribbon in 1999 rather than the
puzzle piece and they said “The puzzle pattern reflects the 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 access to appropriate services/supports, people with
autism will lead full lives able to interact with the world on the own terms.”
Symbol, Logo, or Label
So, what do you think? Would you rather see the puzzle piece
or the puzzle ribbon? Honestly, many people really do not care for any symbols
or logos because they consider it a label and nobody should be
labeled. However, these same people recognize that having a universal symbol
can raise awareness and help spread
the knowledge about autism because many people still have no idea
what it is. Whichever you choose, the puzzle, ribbon, or no symbol at all, it
is important to make more people aware of this tricky condition so it can be
recognized and treated as soon as possible. There are too many parents who just
ignore the signs and hope it will “go away.” That is not going to happen. Some
of the
signs include:
·
Nonresponsive to verbal cues
·
Lack of motor skills
·
Inability to communicate verbally (uses pointing
or gestures)
·
Little or no eye contact
·
Resistant to change
·
Lack of emotion
·
Tantrums or crying for no reason
·
Lining up objects
·
Spinning things
·
Obsession with certain things
·
Does not like cuddling
·
Plays alone rather than with others
·
Repeats words or phrases·
If your child or a child you know has any of these symptoms,
it is important to talk to a professional. You can click
here to find an online psychiatrist or therapist and you do not even
need an appointment.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel
has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety
of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and
growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an
interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health,
she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and
depression.
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