Wow! Autism Speaks has not always been popular with the neurodivergent population. It has been criticized for representing the old paradigm of neurodivergence which defines Autism as a disorder, a deficit, a disability, possibly even a disaster.
But these pledges use new paradigm language! In the new paradigm, neurodivergence is a difference in brain type and nervous system. Ontario Autism Speaks is also listening to Autistic voices. Working on representation in positions of power could be encouraged, but people! This is change.
For me, and probably many of you, World Autism Awareness Day can be triggering. All those damn puzzle pieces. There is no missing piece! I wanted to put that in all caps and yell, but I am also aware of the possibility of sensory overload.
Back to the puzzle piece: the only puzzle is the puzzled minds of neurotypical people who can’t expand their perceptions of reality to understand how Autistic people perceive and experience their reality so differently. Both valid. Just different.
For April 2025, can someone please create an infographic or meme or pins, hats and t-shirts to represent puzzled neurotypical minds? We love ya and really want to bring awareness to the ways your neurotype limits you. To put a slightly different spin on a famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, ‘There are more things to perceive in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your neurotypical philosophy.’
We, at Scattergram, hope you celebrate World Autism Awareness Month in whatever way feels best to you, and manage to avoid being assaulted by flying puzzle pieces. If reading this has stirred things up, we would like to challenge you to a participate by writing a poem or creative non-fiction, or paint, draw, sculpt, and photograph your creation to reflect how you feel about World Autism Awareness Month and submit it to Neuroverse on Scattergram’s website.
Wendy
Autism Parenting Magazine – The 4 most popular symbols for autism
There is no one symbol that represents autism, but there is one particular symbol that seems to be most widely recognized: the puzzle piece.
| 1. Multi-colored puzzle piece ribbon |  |
| 2. Light It Up Blue campaign | The colour blue, associated with calmness and acceptance, is the primary colour designated for autism. On April 2nd, autism advocates and supporters are encouraged to wear blue. |
| 3. Butterfly |  |
| 4. Gold or rainbow infinity sign |  |
