Autism Awareness ATC

Thank you for doing this swap. It’s great to see!!

I would love to join but would also like to request ABSOLUTELY NO puzzle pieces be in the art I receive (especially blue ones). I find Autism Speaks to be a horridly offensive organization. They do not always have the best interest of autistics in mind. Puzzle piece represent “the missing piece”, I am not missing anything, I just operate differently. They do not speak for me, an actually autistic person.

Symbols that are recognized by the autistic community are the infinity symbol in rainbow spectrum of colors, a rainbow brain, ear defenders (industrial noise cancelling headphones), Julia from Sesame Street, rainbows in general. Personally I use a rainbow zebra (rainbow stripes instead black) because I am like everyone else just different.

Building awareness is a great thing, building acceptance is more profoundly in need. We know autism exists. What we need is to learn ways to let autistics be themselves and not try and “cure” them. Instead of making us fit into your world try and understand ours. Thanks for letting me have a little advocating moment.

@autist I definitely agree with you! Autism is not something that needs to be cured! Both of my son are autistic. Different, not less! If you join, I would suggest sending a message to the person who has you to let them know your preference. I know some people in the autism community support the puzzle piece, while others do not. I hope you join!

@DreZee thanks!! I have it on my profile, but I will also put a note thru. I will join once I have room in my line up! Cheers.