#090: The Autism Puzzle Piece- A Talk With Thomas McKean

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or an autistic individual, you have most likely seen the Autism Puzzle Piece. Like myself, you might even have a sticker or magnet on display as a symbol of your support for the community. But what is the real symbolism behind it? In this episode, I have the honor to talk with Thomas McKean, an autistic adult who had an integral part in the development of this icon. 

Prior to Thomas’s collaboration in the creation of today’s autism puzzle piece, the original icon developed in 1963 was a puzzle piece with a child crying. This symbol represented the hopelessness, sadness, and confusion for children with autism at the time. In the 1960s, there was little to no research, ethical treatment, or support for autism families. 

When Thomas and his colleagues developed the new symbol in 1999 they knew the view and information about autism had changed a lot. There was much more hope and a positive shift had taken place in the community. They wanted to embody that. The autism symbol as we know it today is represented by a puzzle piece reflecting the information we are still missing and learning as we add new “pieces”, it features a multi-colored design to represent diversity in the community. 

"If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." - Dr. Stephen Shore

This representation of diversity is so crucial to Thoma’s advice when it comes to division in the field. He says, the difference is not bad, in fact, it's necessary. Because each individual with autism is so different it's important for professionals to see things differently and really work toward an individual approach. No professional is going to have all the answers for every autistic person, and when we understand that, we can peacefully collaborate. 

Thomas says one of his most asked questions is how to help parents who are just venturing into their autism journey with their child. For that, he has 4 steps.

1. Read and Learn
2. Find Support
3. Attend conferences, presentations, and network in the community.
4. Start OT and receive an evaluation for sensory processing.
5. From there you will learn the pieces of how to support, treat, and help your child.

This was such an enlightening talk on the true vision and meaning of such an important icon in our community. I hope you found it just as interesting as I did!

 #autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• The Symbolism behind the Autism Puzzle Piece.
• Advice for professionals on resolving division in the autism community.
• 4 steps for parents entering the autism journey with their child.

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Thomas A. McKean
Thomas A. McKean | Facebook
Advanced Language Learner - Sign Up Today - ABA Speech
Register for the Pyramid Educational Consultant’s Third Annual FUNctional Communication Conference on October 17th & 18th
ABA Speech: Home