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How about a new symbol for the Spectrum of Autism?

Trainspotter

The 'Puzzle Piece' autism spectrum symbol designs (such as the ribbon) are thought of by many autistic people as inappropriate.

I do not have a 'piece missing', neither am I waiting to be solved.  I am me, with all my faults and attributes, but I am autistic.

So I was musing about a different design to indicate the Autism Spectrum.  There have been various 'spectrum' designs in the past - two which spring to mind are the 'Captain Scarlet' Spectrum organisation, and the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon desgn.

I think the design of either of these could be adapted.  The Captain Scarlet one could have the Yellow 'S' adapted by removing the top bit, putting it into mirror image and then making the bottom bit into an 'A' for Autism (perhaps even putting the letters in the curvy bit.

The dark side of the moon could also be adapted, the Prism being changed to an 'A', indicating that from the 'white light' of everyone, there are a whole spectrum of people which make the whole.  I know there are copyright problems so they would have to be used as ideas only, and I know there are other ideas.

I particularly like the version below, just change the prism to an 'A' by extending the sides a bit and it is done!:

My main point is that I think there are many better ideas for a design to indicate a Spectrum, without something which some think of as offensive.

Has anyone got any ideas.  I will get the 'Captain Scarlet' design done how I am envisaging it, as I am not sure I am explaining it well, but as a circle it lends itself to a badge!

I look forward to any comments about this.

Parents

  • I think a tree is a good symbol for autism, for several reasons. The neural links in the brain of someone with autism resemble a tree, whereas they are more linear in a neurotypical brain. Also, the leaves or flowers, or even the branches, on the tree can be a full spectrum of colours, which is good for obvious reasons. The roots of the tree can be a mirror image of the branches of the tree, representing the inner mind and the outside world, or the person and the community, or the neurodiverse world and the neurotypical world, or something like that (the precise significance of the symbol could also be left up to the interpretation of the person looking at it). The tree is a symbol of life in many cultures, and is always a positive symbol. The tree and its roots would be approximately circular in shape, which is good for badges, T-shirts, etc.

    I think your ideas are good too, but I tend to think that if we are to adopt a worldwide long-lasting symbol, it shouldn't resemble an already popular design, because then we'll just be associated with the original design (and no doubt criticised for "stealing" someone else's idea, even if it is changed significantly from the original).

  • in reply to DragonCat16

    I agree with the tree idea, hence my avatar:

    Though sorry Trainspotter - it has puzzle pieces...

  • in reply to NAS36609

    ... just change them to 'A's or leaves ....!  But I like the idea.

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