For some time now the autism/puzzle piece thing has been bothering me and I couldn't put my finger on why. Casdok just posted an excellent commentary on how autistic individuals feel about the puzzle and alternative icons to represent autism. Its a great post link to it here and let me know what you think.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Down with the Puzzle Pieces
For some time now the autism/puzzle piece thing has been bothering me and I couldn't put my finger on why. Casdok just posted an excellent commentary on how autistic individuals feel about the puzzle and alternative icons to represent autism. Its a great post link to it here and let me know what you think.
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5 comments:
It's not the puzzle piece that's the problem, it's the word AUTISTIC I dislike.
It removes a person's individuality and makes assumptions about their learning, behaviour and socialibility.
They are probably going to change my eldest son to Mild Mental Retardation once the psychometric testing is completed... or back to Speech/language delayed with global delays.
But isn't that what Autism is?? But this dx will deal with what he can do or could do in the future... not with what he can't or shouldn't be able to do.
I have issues with the usage of labels... I keep getting asked... now why I am not fighting to keep the ASD label. If it makes assumptions about him... why should I... lets move forward.
Personally, lets just ditch the labels all together and write a proper IEP... one that uses his strengths to go up, over and around his weaknesses turning them too into strengths.
Sheri
Icons/labels. I hope we get it right one day!
I'm good with the autistic word because people understand it and will leave you alone...usually. The puzzle piece has always irritated too. But I don't dwell on it. I'm sure the creator meant no harm and wanted a unique visual to represent a diverse disability. Everyone recognizes it and from there you can discuss what a unique individual your autie is. I have enough to fight against than a national icon...lol.
I guess it depends on your perspective.
I always perceived the puzzle piece to symbolize the mystery of autism - what causes it? where does it come from? There is so much still unknown about autism, but scientists are learning more all the time. Solving a mystery... solving a puzzle... they go together very well.
I never thought of the puzzle representing a person, and I certainly never, ever heard of anyone considering a person with autism 'one piece short of a puzzle'. Yikes.
And, I still hold to my belief that the more one fights a label, the more one automatically reinforces that its bad to be whatever that label signifies.
I say... you do not have to be NORMAL (whatever that is) to be VALUABLE!!!!
Blessings,
Katherine =)
It seems every group has a ribbon of some sort. I preffer the "mobious strip" I saw it used as an autisitc symbol and really like that best.
One could then wear a mobious bracelet or neckless charm....I do not know if "symbols" are that important anyway.
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