At Neurodivergent Friends™, we do not use the puzzle piece symbol because it carries negative connotations for many in the autistic community. The puzzle piece has historically suggested that autistic individuals are "incomplete" or "mysterious," reinforcing stereotypes that autism is something to be solved rather than a natural and valid neurotype. Seeing references to "a missing peace" and "putting the puzzle back together" about Autism is damaging to our sense of self, particularly since Autism can't be cured. It is a part of who we are, forever, even if we master masking in polite society. Research, including a 2017 study published in the journal Autism (see below), found that puzzle-piece imagery evokes implicit and explicit negative associations, including imperfection, oddity, and deficiency. Many autistic individuals reject this symbol in favor of representations that promote acceptance, identity, and empowerment.