Controversial!
The "Puzzle Piece", which is the symbol for autism, is surrounded by a lot of debate. While some view it in positive light as signifying little pieces that make up a whole, the symbol is actually meant to depict the puzzling nature of the disorder, which is viewed as a jibe at the difficulty people find in understanding autistic people.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is highly genetic, but can also be triggered by environmental factors. People affected with it have diminished social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, and compulsive or restrictive behavior. Till date, people have not been able to fully understand the condition, nor do they know why it disrupts neural functions the way it does. This is also one of the reasons that has instilled a lot of stigma into the minds of people against those with autism.
This is why to be able to understand and embrace autistic people, it is important to spread awareness, and it doesn't all have to be over booming microphones, large hoardings, seminars, or movies. It can take something as simple as a tattoo, to show love and appreciation for the autistic. The National Autistic Society chose the "jigsaw puzzle piece" as their representative, and the trend has since carried on.
Given below are some unique tattoo ideas that are sure to bring a smile on people's faces!
AWESOME AUTISM AWARENESS TATTOOS
Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon
Created by the National Autistic Society, the Jigsaw Puzzle ribbon is the official symbol for autism. It contains the colors of sky blue, navy blue, red, and yellow. According to the organization, the puzzle pieces signify the puzzling nature of the disorder, the multiple colors represent the diverse group of people who are affected with this condition, and the symbol overall represents hope, and aim for a better cure for the same. You can also incorporate a number or different colors, but the idea is for it to be colorful! These tattoos look good when placed anywhere, and can be grouped with any other personal symbols you prefer, like names, dates, quotes, for starters.
Jigsaw Butterflies
Butterflies represent the free spirit, and while most people tend to pigeonhole autistic people, it is an expression to show that they too can soar high, and aim for the stars! The more colorful, the better. These look great on wrists, necks, and calves too, but we went with the classic lower back look!
Jigsaw Hearts
The heart with the jigsaw puzzles can be seen a symbol for the love, affection, and support that you have for someone close to you who is autistic, or can be a sign of embracing the disorder. These can also be coupled with a number of different things, as shown above!
Helping Hand Tattoo
As The Beatles had aptly put it once, "All You Need is Love", and that is exactly what people will need, whether they have autism or not. They are not looking for sympathy or pity; all they want is for someone to lend out their hand, without judgment! This simple tattoo of the helping hand on the wrist is a great way to show your support.
Creative Mind Tattoo
Despite the disorder, autistic people are highly creative and have brilliant minds, and this tattoo celebrates just that!
Key to the Heart Tattoo
The key can represent a way into the minds and hearts of people with autism, with honesty and good intention, thus forming an everlasting bond! This is a simple design that looks great on the foot.
Love Tattoos
Everybody needs a little bit of loving, so why should we be any different? These are great for couples, and you could also mix it up by getting two of the same tattoo for each of you, and incorporate your own personal elements and messages!
Tree and Growth Tattoos
The tree represents growth, and while for each of us that holds a deep meaning, it is even more special to the autistic because they put their heart and soul into shaping their lives. These also look great on the back or the ribs, but we thought the leg was a cool place to start! The quote, "Different, but not less" is the title of a book written by Temple Grandin that has become popular with tattoo enthusiasts looking to get their very own autism awareness tattoo.
Despite the controversies regarding the intended meaning of the jigsaw puzzle, a lot of people have taken the jigsaw puzzle in a positive light. They have used it not to put down, but to lift up and show support for everyone out their with autism, be it loved ones, friends, or others! We hope you liked our designs, and that it has set in motion some ideas for the next time you plan on getting tattooed! Have a good one.
