To many autistic people, the puzzle piece represents stigma, exclusion and a harmful push to make them conform.

While there is no official symbol for autism awareness (like the pink ribbon for breast cancer), advocates have used a few designs. The most recognized imagery for the diagnosis is a puzzle piece.

For decades, a jigsaw puzzle piece has been used to symbolise autism across the world. It has been used for charity logos and awareness ribbons, and even tattooed on to the bodies of well-meaning ...