Exit Pursued by Bear

  Both the infinity symbol and the puzzle piece have been used as a symbol for the Autistic community, and yet represent very different attitudes towards Autism.  The puzzle piece was first used in the UK in 1963 by the Autism Society, (although they no longer use this image), chosen and designed by non-autistic people. The original puzzle piece included a weeping child to show how autistic people apparently suffered from their conditions and to reflect how autism was seen as puzzling. It represents the idea that autistic people have missing pieces, are puzzles to be solved, and that autism is a childish disability. Each of which is a harmful stereotype.  Nowadays the puzzle piece is associated with Autism Speaks, which is seen as a hate group by the majority of autistic people. Autism Speaks has yet to show that it has autistic peoples interests in mind, rather than promoting cures and harmful stereotypes about autism, among many other harmful things.  Whereas, the infinity symbol, as

  In honour of Autism Acceptance Month, here are six phrases to stop using when it comes to autism and autistic people. 1. Functioning Labels  The majority of autistic people find functioning labels offensive because it’s usually how someone with a stereotypical idea of autism sees us. Autism is not a linear spectrum, and functioing labels are at best inaccurate and worst offensive. You’d also get annoyed if people asked you what type of non-autistic you were. (See below.) 2. You don't look Autistic. Representations in the media are often inaccurate and offensive. In saying this you are projecting your idea of autism onto me. There are an estimated 7 million people with autism in the UK alone, it would be a bit odd if we all looked the same.   Also, what does Autism look like?  3. Special Ability I'm not magic. Wish I was, do you know how awesome that would be. But I’m not. I’m not ‘special’, I’m autistic. Autism and Autistic are not bad words, you can say them.  4. We're