What is it about that Puzzle?

It doesn't seem to matter what anyone does with regard to autism, someone ends up getting pissed off. Today I am NOT one of those people, sorta.

Many autistics and/or their families are against using the puzzle piece as a symbol for autism. The rationale is that they believe those with autism are not a puzzle to be solved. Many feel a cure is not necessary. They are happy the way they are and don't appreciate being told they need to be "cured". I am thrilled for people who are that self-confident. It is an awesome state of being when one is that comfortable with him/herself.

I think many people are ticked off at the organization Autism Speaks, which has long been associated with the puzzle icon. They don't agree with an organization claiming to speak for them when it pushes one position that is predominantly dictated by people who are NOT autistic. I won't go into that argument right now, because it is a bitter and complicated dispute, which is not the purpose of this discussion.

I happen to like the puzzle piece as an easy way to identify my children's special needs. On my wrist is a bracelet with a single silver squiggly shape that reminds me about my purpose in life: making certain my children live a happy, healthy childhood that enables them to be successful, socially productive, happy adults. Whatever it takes to get them there is my job. The puzzle piece reminds me to think outside the box when frustration is high. It also reminds me to count to ten before doing or saying something I will regret. When they are not with me and I see it, I think of them; and that brings joy to my life.

But why a puzzle piece?

Because as children, autistics are puzzling as hell! Especially when it's your first and you don't know what typical kids do. But then again, it is probably just as perplexing to have a typical child first and an Aspie grace your family later. What I do know is there is a great deal of mystery for ANY parent trying to figure out how to help their child who is on the spectrum. So many symptoms are similar to other disorders. It is frustrating... but it is also rewarding when you start to put the pieces together.

Have you ever done a 1,000 piece puzzle and tried to find two pieces that are exactly alike? It can't be done. Where would the fun be if the pieces were alike? I challenge anyone to find all the Aspies in the world who have identical characteristics, interests, diagnoses, and quirks and put them all in the same room together. My point is this: every autistic person is unique and has different abilities and needs. Parents, educators, employers, friends, everyone who has an autistic person in their life need to understand they are dealing with a person who has challenges as unique as they are. Take the time to discover the differences. They are the keys to unlocking the answers for that individual.

Unless a piece is missing from a puzzle, there is a solution. I believe science will one day find the cause of autism. There is an answer. Society is already beginning to face the very difficult questions that this solution will cause us to ask: Is this a condition that needs to be cured? If so, how do we fix it? Chances are, there will not be one right or one wrong answer. Individuals and families will have to decide what is best for themselves, just as we have done on so many other social issues. It could get very ugly. I can see it as a voting issue in elections for school boards and presidents. Should we "fix" the people who are different? I like the idea of having options that are used wisely and precisely, not applied generically to an entire population.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for using the puzzle piece as a symbol for autism is that in the end, all of the pieces fit together. Everyone has a place in society; we all have our strengths. It really doesn't matter that someone has autism or any other diagnosis. What matters is that we help our children find their strengths, foster growth in those areas of special ability, support their interests, and help them find a way to take those interests to a level that will benefit others. Every person has an important space to fill in the scheme of things.

So, those who want to be pissed off about a symbol can do so if they wish. That's their prerogative. But it sure seems like a lot of wasted energy that could be used better elsewhere.