Puzzle set ring 3D print model

If you want to use a more positive symbol for autism in April or any month of the year, use the symbol for autism acceptance rather than awareness, or that of neurodiversity (the rainbow infinity loop, or the gold infinity loop for autism acceptance). The color gold is another positive color for autism rather than blue. The color blue is used by Autism Speaks to promote the idea that autism is primarily for boys and is the color of their puzzle piece logo. The color gold is from the periodic element “Au” which is shorthand for autism, and some autistic people choose to go “gold” for autism instead of participating in Autism Speaks’ “Light it Up Blue” campaign. Other autistic people may choose the color red or participate in the social media campaign #RedInstead. This campaign was originated by autistic activist, Alanna Rose Whitney in 2015 with the hashtag #WalkInRed as an alternative to the “Light It Up Blue” Autism Speaks campaign, and was later rebranded to #RedInstead to be more inclusive of people with physical disabilities. Red continues to be a color to support acceptance for autistic individuals in April and throughout the year as an alternative to the blue color used by Autism Speaks. Some autistic people use crimson gold, combining the red and gold colors used for autism acceptance. To support and properly represent autistic people, ask them first what language, symbols, and terminology they prefer before asking neurotypical people. Be aware of how symbols can support ableist notions, such as characterizing autism as something that needs to be treated or “cured.” And the next time you see a puzzle piece for autism, remember its ableist history to prevent it from being used in an ableist manner.