Monday 15 May 2017

The Puzzle Piece

The puzzle piece. 

It is a little symbol that is often the cause of numerous heated discussions within the autism community.


Depending on who you speak with, some in the autism community are for it and some are vehemently against it. Then there is the colour of the symbol, again a simple colour can also cause many a heated discussion.

Recently there has even been talk that the symbol should be changed to something other than a puzzle piece.

I personally love the puzzle piece as a symbol that represents Autism awareness and here is why.....

Since L arrived in 2012 there has always been something that we were missing with L, no one could work out what the missing link was. Specialist after specialist could not put a finger on what the missing link was until we started on the path of an autism diagnosis. L has always marched to the beat of his own drum and I love this but there were numerous times when I struggled to make sense of L's behaviour and development.


L's autism diagnosis was the piece of information that connected everything together. L's autism diagnosis was the piece of information that we needed so that we could start the process of helping L achieve to the best of his abilities.

The puzzle piece represents the information that we needed to assist L.

Autism isn't a puzzle, it's a different ability.

Sometimes you just need that one piece of information to connect all the dots.

15 comments:

  1. This is the most ridiculous explanation that I have ever read. Do you have autism? I would be guessing that you do not. And yet you've taken it upon yourself to speak for others, how dare you. Unless you are actually autistic, you have no right what so ever to speak on behalf of autistics. You have no idea how insulting it is to us who are actually autistic to see the puzzle piece being used as a symbol for autism. No one asked us. Ask your children, they're not little superheroes as you keep referring to them, what symbol that they would like. I would be willing to say that it wouldn't be the puzzle piece.

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    1. We will have to agree to disagree.

      No I do not have a diagnosis of autism, however I do think that I am on the spectrum. My daughter is very much like me and I can see her behaviour and mannerisms as things that I used to do as a child.

      In regards to my children, they are barely able to remember what they did at school each day let alone be their own advocates. They are 5 and 8 and have yet to find their own voices. So until they are able to self advocate, I will continue to advocate for them.

      And if I do ask my children, I can 100% guarantee that they would agree with me that they are little superheroes. And just so that you know, both my little superheroes love the puzzle piece.

      Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog!

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  2. Just keep fighting, whatever your methods are - if they work, go on. Also, I agree this is a different ability. Interesting post, btw.

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  3. Good post. This is an important topic and I'm glad someone is talking about it.

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  4. I've always thought the puzzle piece made sense, and I loved your explanation for it! It's simple and straight to the point.

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  5. It's good to get people informed about stuffs like this.

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  6. I didn't know the puzzle piece was the symbol for autism. And as you stated, there's a discussion around it. It is understandable that each person will have their own interpretation of symbols. Which is usually the case. Thanks for highlighting this topic.

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  7. Hi,
    "Autism isn't a puzzle, it's a different ability."

    This says it all. My take away.

    Great post.

    Thanks

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  8. Important issue that we definitely need to be talking more about. Thank's for raising it. I do not believe there is any wrong or right approach, just the one that works for you.

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  9. This a good read aboit a less known topic. Thank yoi for shedding some light.

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  10. Unfortunately, no matter what kind of a symbol was chosen, someone is going to disagree. I really enjoyed your explanation however! Being a social worker prior to becoming a sahm, I have worked with kiddo's and adults alike who were on all different parts of the spectrum. It is amazing to me how the minds of people with autism function very much so like a puzzle, always looking for the next piece. I think the puzzle piece is very fitting for this reason. Thanks for the great read!

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  11. I don't know much about the history of the puzzle piece or why there is debate around it, but your explanation is lovely. I've been a teacher for twelve years and had some AMAZING kids with autism. One of them was one of the best actors I had ever worked with and acting really unlocked something for him. Best of luck with your kiddos.

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  12. Such an interesting read I loved reading through all this new information! You honestly learn something new everyday!

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  13. I love your explanation! I know how controversial this subject is, good for you on having the boldness to share your perspective. :-)

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  14. I personally think your explanation of how the puzzle piece fits everything together is great. It works perfect for the content in this article!

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I would love to hear your thoughts on my blog. I do read all the comments that are posted. Thanks so much for stopping by. Jen xx