If you’ve been in and around autism circles, then at some point you’ve seen the autism ribbon. You know, the multicolored ribbon with a bunch of puzzle pieces on it? Yep, that one!
Well, have you ever wondered what the history was behind it? And better yet, where you can get an autism awareness ribbon? Well here’s what you should know about the ribbon.
History of the Autism Ribbon
An organization called the Autism Society actually owns the trademark for the autism ribbon. However, they do allow other non-profits to use the ribbon.
This organization has been around since 1965, and since then has had a singular goal: to improve the lives of those affected by autism.
The Autism Society started using the ribbon at the end of the 20th century in 1999. The Society offers information about autism as well as ways to get involved in bringing support and raising awareness.
The Autism Ribbon Design
So a little about the design of the ribbon. People often ask, “What color is the autism ribbon? or What color ribbon is for autism?” The ribbon uses a variety of different colors including red, yellow, green, light blue or dark blue. As you may know, blue is the universal color used for autism.
The different colors represent the wide spectrum of autism, as there is much variability in the disorder from person to person.
The puzzle pieces communicate the concept of complexity. Just like it takes lots of time and trial and error to solve a puzzle, the same applies to autism. Learning your loved one is complex.
Learning the best way to manage behaviors and figuring out how to best teach them is like solving a puzzle!
So the autism ribbon encapsulates both the variability and complexity of autism. The ribbon is a reminder of the determination and perseverance that autism develops in parents. The ribbon represents the hope that parents can thrive despite the challenges.
This is a part of the reason why many proudly don autism tattoos featuring the autism ribbon!
Finding Autism Ribbons
There are a few go-to places if you’re looking for autism ribbons. Take a look below. Here are the top-selling ribbons and where you can find them:
Jigsaw Ribbon 5/8 Inch wide x 12 Feet long BUY NOW!
Jigsaw Ribbon 7/8 inch wide x 10 feet long BUY NOW!
These autism ribbons come in different sizes depending on the spool you get. The typical widths are 5/8 inch or 7/8 inch, like the ones above. Spools can be anywhere between 10 – 12 feet in length.
If you’re the artistic type, then an autism tattoo is a good option for displaying a ribbon. Here are a few ideas of popular autism tattoos that might give you some inspiration.
From these pictures, you can create your own image or search and download a png or vector file.
Besides Amazon, Oriental Trading, Pin mart, Walmart and Etsy are other websites that sell autism ribbons.
Autism Ribbon T-Shirts
Besides an actual ribbon, the most common way to display autism ribbons is by wearing t-shirts. Below are a few of the more popular autism ribbon shirt designs that include the emoji, ribbon and puzzle pieces:
“Autism Mom Unbreakable” BUY NOW!
“Autism It’s Not A Disability It’s A Different Ability” BUY NOW!
“Au Ti Sm” BUY NOW!
“It’s No Prob-Llama To Be Different” BUY NOW!
“Choose Kind” Buy NOW!
“In A World Where You Can Be Anything Be Kind” BUY NOW!
“I Teach Awesome Kids” BUY NOW!
All of these are great options for displaying your love and support for those affected by autism. So whether you prefer a ribbon or a t-shirt doesn’t matter. What matters is that you find your unique way to create and support autism awareness!
Autism Support
Though ribbons are a great indication of support for autism awareness, most families are in need of real-world practical help. This includes a combination of informational support, as well as hands-on support.
Some parents are confused because they don’t quite know how to adjust to this autism world they’ve been thrust into. Other parents are exhausted trying to figure out how to manage their child’s behaviors.
And many parents have no clue and are doing little more than just surviving. If you are one of these parents, know that help is available. In my eBook Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, I’ve outlined what every parent needs to know to prepare for the autism journey.
Here’s what you can expect to get from the eBook:
- Understand How Autism Impacts Families At Different Life Stages
- Learn What Skills Your Child Needs To Be Independent
- Discover The Skills Necessary For Social Integration
- Learn How To Assess You Child’s Functioning Level
- Grasp How Independence and Integration Skills Practically Apply
- Learn About Support Systems And How To Access Them
- Understand Options For Funding Therapy Services
Order your copy of Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, by clicking here.
In addition, if you’d like to schedule a personal consultation to get information specific to your situation, feel free to schedule a call by clicking here.
A.D. Daisley holds a Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida and has been working in the field as a Behavior Analyst since 2005. He has provided services to children and adults with varying diagnoses such as autism, mental retardation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His scope of experience also includes coordinating therapy to individuals and families in conjunction with other supports including School Teachers, Adult Day Training Facility Staff (ADT’s) and Speech/Occupational therapists. He is the Director and Behavior Analyst at Alternative Outcomes since 2007. A.D is also the Director of Creátre, a non-profit organization that uses the arts for the purpose of skill training, outreach and to display community leadership.
