Puzzle pieces are triggering for many autistic people.

First they represented autism being a "puzzling" condition (because autistics were never consulted).

Then it became a representation of the "missing piece" to autism...a "cure".

Much harm was & is done under this imagery.

For many autistic people this is way more than just "not liking" puzzle pieces.

Seeing them can trigger memories of ABA therapy, abuse, punishment, shame, bullying, exclusion, discrimination, cure-talk, being told we are broken, sick, etc.

It's a SERIOUS mental health issue.

The blue puzzle piece is especially bad because it is the logo of Autism Speaks - a harmful non-autistic autism organization.

What to use instead?

The rainbow infinity symbol represents the neurodiversity movement.

The gold infinity symbol is used by some to represent autism.

There is currently no universally recognized non-harmful symbol for autism.

However, not using or sharing puzzle pieces is a universal way of showing support for #AutismAcceptance and #ActuallyAutistic people.

It shows you listened to us!

#AutismAwareness #autism #WAAD