I've gotten a few questions from a few friends about why the autistic community hates the puzzle piece and the color blue as representation.
So in this month of Autism Acceptance, I'd like to give my two cents.
1. The puzzle piece doesn't represent us. It historically represents the look for a cure. Or a "missing piece" to our brains. Choose the infinity sign or the periodic table number for gold.
2. The color blue is historically representative of males. And given the fact that women, especially women of color, go under-diagnosed, it is kind of harmful. Try the color red instead. Or even the rainbow to represent the spectrum of not only gender and gender identity for us, but as a representation of the spectrum.
3. Organizations like Autism Speaks, who many like me call "The Bedbug people," are hate groups that constantly fund searches for a cure, as well as ignore adult voices in the Autism Community. They treat us like we are a disease and nothing more.
4. It's not "Awareness" that we are looking for. That implies that we are a disease that needs curing. Try acceptance. Through acceptance we can fight for better representation and against ableism.
Light it up red this April. Show your support with the infinity Symbol. And take the time to listen.
We're here, and we will not be silenced any longer.
