April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and acceptance of autism. This period encourages celebrating the diverse experiences of neurodivergent individuals to promote a more inclusive society.

A significant aspect of autism is the representation and symbolism used to identify autism. In recent years, the rainbow infinity symbol has emerged as the emblem instead of the traditional puzzle piece.

This article will explore the reasons behind this shift and the nuances of disclosing neurodivergence on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

The Rainbow Infinity Symbol: A New Era of Representation

The rainbow infinity symbol, characterized by a loop in a spectrum of colors, signifies endless possibilities and embraces the diversity of the autism spectrum. It represents the complexity and uniqueness of each individual’s experiences, moving away from the notion that autism is a condition to be solved, as the puzzle piece implies. The puzzle piece can be triggering for many in the #ActuallyAutistic community.

About the Rainbow Infinity Symbol:

• Inclusivity: It highlights the vast spectrum of autism, acknowledging that every autistic person’s experience is unique and valid.
• Empowerment: This symbol fosters a sense of pride and empowerment among autistic individuals, promoting self-acceptance and community.
• Diversity: Using multiple colors reflects the diversity within the autistic community, including the intersectionality of gender, race, and other identities.
• Recognition: The rainbow infinity symbol might not be as widely recognized as the puzzle piece, potentially leading to misunderstandings about its meaning.

Disclosing Neurodivergence on LinkedIn: A Delicate Balance

The decision to disclose one’s neurodivergence on professional platforms like LinkedIn is profoundly personal and carries both potential benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Disclosure:

• Authenticity: Disclosing neurodivergence can foster a sense of authenticity, allowing individuals to represent their identity and experiences fully.
• Advocacy, Awareness, and Acceptance: It contributes to greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace with the hopes of full acceptance, encouraging others to share their experiences.
• Finding the Right Fit: Openness about neurodivergence may attract employers who value diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a better fit for both parties.

Cons of Disclosure:

• Bias and Misunderstanding: Unfortunately, stigma and misconceptions about autism and neurodivergence persist, which could lead to bias or misunderstanding from potential employers or connections.
• Privacy Concerns: Once disclosed, this information becomes a part of one’s professional narrative, which might not be comfortable for everyone.

Tips to Support the Autistic Community

• Use “autistic person,” not “person with autism”
• Wear #RedInstead, and don’t use “light it up blue” or wear blue
• Research the #ActuallyAutistic community
• Don’t wear the puzzle piece, but instead, the infinity symbol in rainbow, which represents the entire neurodiverse community
• Don’t support or donate to organizations (like Autism Speaks) that spend money on genetic or scientific research; instead, donate to organizations that are making a difference to support and help autistics

Other Resources

Want to go down a rabbit hole to learn more? You will find links to previous articles and resources in How to Align The Great Resignation with Company Culture, Autism, & Neurodiversity.

Conclusion

Autism Acceptance Month is a reminder of the ongoing journey towards inclusivity and understanding. The shift towards the rainbow infinity symbol as a representation of autism is a step forward in recognizing the diverse experiences within the autistic community.

Disclosing neurodivergence on platforms like LinkedIn is a nuanced decision, balancing personal authenticity with professional considerations.

As society progresses, it’s crucial to continue advocating for environments where such decisions are respected, and where diversity is accepted and celebrated.

By embracing these principles, we pave the way for a more inclusive world, both in and out of the workplace.

Did you catch the previous article? Embellishment vs. Authenticity: Balancing Job Titles on LinkedIn

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