Puzzle Piece vs Infinity Symbol

 Puzzle Piece and Infinity Symbol

There is comfort in unity and having a physical symbol to show others that you support or understand what they are going through. We are all on the same team, whether we are Autistic ourselves or someone we love. We all want to find community and understanding. Most of us while out and about see rainbow infinity signs or more often puzzle pieces, remember we are all on the same journey and have the same love at heart.

Puzzle Piece History

The puzzle piece was first used as the symbol for Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1963 by the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom. The symbol stemmed from the idea that autism was a “puzzling condition.” The original image showed a crying child inside a puzzle piece.

In 1999, the Autism Society of America created the puzzle piece ribbon as a symbol of autism awareness. The Autism Society stated “The puzzle piece 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 their terms."

Today, the most recognized use of the puzzle piece is through the organization, Autism Speaks, which popularized the symbol. Since the organization was founded in 2005, they have used the puzzle piece logo to spread autism awareness. Autism Speaks stated, "It represents the search for answers that will lead to greater understanding and acceptance of people on the autism spectrum, their diverse challenges, abilities and strengths.”

While the beginnings of the puzzle piece are rooted in a not-so-positive mindset. The current use of the puzzle piece and the puzzle piece ribbon are with positivity, support, and hope.

Infinity Symbol History

The rainbow infinity symbol is associated with neurodiversity in general and the gold infinity symbol represents autism specifically. Gold was chosen because the chemical symbol for gold is Au (originating from the Latin Aurum) and the rainbow is used to show the diversity of everyone on the spectrum. Using an infinity loop demonstrates that autism is not linear; there is no beginning or end. Every individual is unique.

Criticism and objections by some to the puzzle piece symbol caused the subject of changing the symbol to be transferred to the Autism Research Journal. The infinity sign became the new symbol for autism in February of 2018. The autism infinity symbol is a popular symbol among autistic people and autism rights advocates, symbolizing a broad and varied spectrum of experiences.

The infinity symbol represents the idea of infinite possibilities and potential for individuals with autism. One of the key messages of the infinity symbol is the importance of inclusion and acceptance.

The use of the autism infinity symbol has not been without controversy. While some advocates and organizations have embraced the infinity symbol as a more positive and inclusive symbol for autism, others have criticized it as being too vague or not representative enough of the challenges faced by individuals with autism.

The symbol representing Autism Spectrum Disorder has changed no less than 7 times since the inception of the crying child in the puzzle piece. So, no matter if you Light it up Blue or Light it up Red; if you have a rainbow infinity tattoo or have a puzzle piece bumper sticker, the reality is all the same. We are all on the same journey, even though our experiences may be different. It is 100% acceptable to use whichever symbol best represents you and your family, you can use both symbols if you choose. Intention matters. Respect matters.

Many Autistics will tell you why they prefer the infinity symbol, and just as many will tell you why they love the puzzle piece…if you listen it is all for the same reason. Representation is based on love and support. Both symbols come with controversy and support. Don’t be divided by something trivial like a symbol when we all need to be supportive of each other.

Updated November 22, 2023