Sunflowers

Whilst the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is probably the most widely-recognised symbol, it covers many hidden disabilities and conditions, not just autism specifically (although lanyards are available and can be customised for specific conditions).

If you want to wear something that's more autism-specific, whether as well as or instead of the sunflower, then an infinity symbol is probably the best option.

A gold infinity symbol is usually used specifically for autism, whereas a rainbow infinity symbol is usually used to represent autism alongside other forms of neurodivergence (eg autism and Tourette's, autism and ADHD, etc). But some people might not recognise the distinction, and some might interpret the rainbow element differently because of its other associations (eg LGBTQ+ pride).

The puzzle piece is probably best avoided, due to having a contentious history - although I've seen some social media discourse recently that's in favour of "reclaiming" it.

Professor Precise-a-bug said:

when it comes to the Big A there are no visible signs

I should also just flag that this kind of statement risks overlooking many autistic people, because some outwardly visible traits can and do exist. For example: differences in eye contact, facial expression, body language, posture, gait, stimming, use of sensory aids (like Patience with her headphones in the Channel 4 drama), and visible signs of sensory overload or distress.

Bunny said:

The puzzle piece is probably best avoided, due to having a contentious history - although I've seen some social media discourse recently that's in favour of "reclaiming" it.

It is a difficult topic -I heard on an american podcast, a women put her kid in a puzzlepiece top, and got backlash from the autistic community. But she said her local Fire and Police recognised it, and being likely to incur strong racial prejudice, the most important thing was to keep him safe and not have firearms drawn on him (which she said had happened once when his ipad was mistaken for a weapon by police!) Overhere that might be different, but if you are more visable with your autism as you say, letting people know might be more important for safety.

I suppose one positive for the sunflower is not having to specify your condition to everyone, so gives you some privacy if you prefer. And knowing what all the symbols mean can be confusing, like you say with the rainbow crossover. So a simpler system is more likely to be understood by more people? Although people will have to ask you what you need.

I can see so many sides to all of this!

Cinnabar_wing said:

I suppose one positive for the sunflower is not having to specify your condition to everyone, so gives you some privacy if you prefer. And knowing what all the symbols mean can be confusing, like you say with the rainbow crossover. So a simpler system is more likely to be understood by more people? Although people will have to ask you what you need

I agree - that’s why I use Sunflower scheme products.

For anyone who wants to add something more autism-specific, an infinity symbol could give extra insight to those who recognise it, but I wouldn’t rely on that alone.

As a side note, I do occasionally think about getting an infinity symbol tattoo 

Cinnabar_wing said:

I suppose one positive for the sunflower is not having to specify your condition to everyone, so gives you some privacy if you prefer. And knowing what all the symbols mean can be confusing, like you say with the rainbow crossover. So a simpler system is more likely to be understood by more people? Although people will have to ask you what you need

I agree - that’s why I use Sunflower scheme products.

For anyone who wants to add something more autism-specific, an infinity symbol could give extra insight to those who recognise it, but I wouldn’t rely on that alone.

As a side note, I do occasionally think about getting an infinity symbol tattoo