The use of the jigsaw puzzle piece, in relation to autism, is a controversial one. I've had a few people (though not as many as I'd expected), ask me why I would use such a shape; surely I must be ignorant and not have done my research? Quite the contrary actually, Please allow me to explain....

I am autistic and have ADHD myself, and have grown up not knowing, but believing I was weird and wondering why, when I always did my utmost to be nice to people and help people, they were always unkind to me and left me out. Discovering my autism a few years ago (at the age of 40!), was like someone putting the final few pieces into the jigsaw of my life, and I suddenly saw the full picture for the first time. Since then I have been on a very full-on journey of research and training so that I can help others.

My bachelors degree at university was in Youth and Community Studies, and I have had 20+ years experience in youth & community work since. I'm relatively well experienced in supporting people, working with teenagers, and parents of teenagers, and running groups such as this. The part that was missing, for me, was to learn more about Autism. In 2023, I completed my Level 2 Qualification in Understanding Autism, as well as training courses about applying for PIP with 'Benefits & Work'. I have also used my knowledge and experience as both a parent of neurodiverse teens, and a secondary school governor, to research and write a simple guide about EHCP's.

Going back to the logo... I am well aware of the origins of the controversial puzzle piece. The puzzle piece logo for autism awareness was created in 1963 by Gerald Gasson, a parent and board member of the National Autistic Society in London. The symbol was designed to represent the complexity and mystery of autism. The National Autistic Society were pioneers of autism awareness, and did their best to help neurodivergent people. Nothing of the sort had come before them, so they were 'flying blind', so to speak. Unfortunately, after their methods were superseded, and it was realised that aspects of their work had done more damage than good, they gained a bad press and reputation among the autistic community.

Things have indeed moved on a lot (thank goodness!), but personally, I think it is unfair for all of the pioneering work of the NAS to be forgotten, and only the negative aspects remembered. I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of negativity for the sake of being 'politically correct' about the shape a of puzzle piece. In my experience, autistic people themselves are often too bothered, either way, about the puzzle piece logo. It seems to be the 'well-educated' people who think they are being noble in some way, standing up for the autistic community.

So, my reasons for using the jigsaw pieces (if you are still reading and haven't given up on me yet), are that;

1) When you are ND, often people feel like the odd one out - a single piece of jigsaw, lost under the sofa and left out of the beautiful picture. When you discover your autism and meet other autistic people who think differently too, suddenly the puzzle pieces start to join together, and the picture becomes clear. You have found your place in the world, and you are an important part of it!

2) I am (also) a graphic designer, and I understand the importance of a strong, striking and memorable logo. When non ND people see the puzzle piece, many of them recognise it as having "something to do with Autism". Why? Because it has been around for a long time and has gradually begun to become known about and accepted. It is a shape unlike any other, and is very simple but clear (recognisable and memorable). More recently, some ND related groups have begun to adopt the infinity symbol as a logo, in defiant rejection of the NAS. Unfortunately, the infinity symbol is not a strong symbol- either graphically, or in its meaning. The infinity logo is usually associated with infinite love and care -either romantically or within families or friendships. A lot of people wear jewellery with the symbol on, as a sign of never-ending love with someone. I'm sure they would be horrified to find out that it might cause some people to mistakenly believe they are autistic!
The autistic commuity at large, has not even decided/agreed on a colour for this logo - the entire concept is very wishy washy and forgettable. This is why, as an autistic person, and a graphic designer, I reject the infinity symbol which has no real relevance to ND- and that is why I developed the PNT logo in the way that I have done.

Thank you to anyone who has continued reading this to the end - I am honoured that you stuck with me, and I hope you now understand my reasoning.   Best regards, Beckey😊