Puzzle Symbolism

Jigsaw puzzles, with their centuries-old history, have evolved from educational tools for children into a beloved global pastime. But beyond the enjoyment of assembly, the humble jigsaw puzzle piece has taken on a rich tapestry of symbolism in our culture.

Universal Meanings of the Puzzle Piece

The shape of the jigsaw puzzle piece has become a powerful visual metaphor, representing various aspects of life:

• • Challenges: The fragmented nature of a puzzle—many disconnected pieces without a clear starting point—readily symbolizes the confusing and overwhelming challenges we encounter in life.

  • Connection & Belonging: Individual puzzle pieces, designed to fit precisely with others, represent how people connect and belong within families, friendships, workgroups, cultures, and nations.

  • Unity & Collective Strength: A single piece may seem weak, but when joined with others, it forms a cohesive and strong whole. This symbolizes how individuals, united, can achieve far greater things.

  • Individuality & Completeness: Each unique puzzle piece is an essential part of a larger picture. This illustrates the concept that every person is distinct, yet plays a vital role in the greater tapestry of life, making the whole complete.

  • The Journey of Life: Life itself can be seen as a grand puzzle, composed of myriad experiences and events that gradually come together to form one's unique lifetime. The meditative state achieved during puzzling, where the mind subconsciously shifts from chaos to potential solutions, mirrors how we often navigate life's complexities.

The Puzzle Piece and Autism: A Complex Symbol

The puzzle piece symbol has been associated with autism since its creation by Gerald Gasson in 1963. Originally, it was meant to represent the perception of autism as a "puzzling" or enigmatic condition. However, this symbolism has become a subject of considerable debate, with many in the autistic community finding it harmful and offensive.

A Brief History of the Autism Puzzle Piece Symbol

The very first symbol for autism, preceding Gasson's design, depicted a crying child within a puzzle piece, intending to convey the sadness some believed autism brought into a child's life.

Gerald Gasson, a parent and board member of the National Autistic Society in London, later developed the currently recognized puzzle piece symbol. Over the years, its interpretation has diversified significantly within the autistic community:

• • "Missing Piece" Perception: Some autistic individuals have interpreted the puzzle piece to imply that autistic people have a "missing piece" or are somehow incomplete. This interpretation contributes to the symbol's controversial nature, as it can feel dehumanizing.

  • "Completed Puzzle" Perspective: Conversely, other autistic individuals view their autism diagnosis as the "missing piece" that finally "completed the puzzle of their lives," providing clarity and understanding.

  • Connection and Community: Still others see the puzzle piece as a positive symbol of connection—representing their bond with family, their community, and even their own self-identity as an autistic person.

Final Thoughts

The ongoing conversation around the puzzle piece highlights the importance of respecting diverse perspectives within the autistic community when choosing symbols and language.