Everyone
As conversations around autism awareness and acceptance evolve, so do the symbols and colours representing the autistic community. While blue has long been associated with autism due to campaigns like “Light It Up Blue,” many autistic individuals and advocates have embraced red and gold as more affirming alternatives. At AutismBC, we recognize that blue has been historically chosen by organizations that have spread harmful narratives about autism. While colours can hold different meanings for different people, we want to follow the lead of the neurodivergent movement and uplift colours, symbols, and language chosen by the neurodivergent community itself.
For these reasons, we embrace red to honour the strength and passion of autistic self-advocates and gold to represent hope, optimism, and the potential of autistic people. These colours symbolize a shift toward acceptance, pride, and celebrating neurodiversity.
These colours align with the neurodiversity movement, which centres on autistic voices and shifts the focus from awareness to acceptance and pride.
Why Red? The #RedInstead Movement
Red has been widely adopted through the #RedInstead campaign, which emerged as a response to blue-centric awareness campaigns, particularly those led by Autism Speaks. Many autistic individuals feel that blue is linked to outdated narratives that frame autism as a condition to be “fixed” rather than accepted.
Red symbolizes passion, strength, and love, reflecting the resilience of the autistic community and its supporters. The Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) is credited with amplifying the #RedInstead movement, advocating for acceptance over awareness. Learn more from AWN’s advocacy work here: autisticwomennetwork.org
Additionally, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) promotes Autism Acceptance Day (April 2), highlighting how red aligns with autistic-led movements. ASAN’s work emphasizes shifting the narrative toward inclusion and empowerment. Read more about ASAN’s stance here: autisticadvocacy.org/projects/community/autism-acceptance-month/
Why Gold? The “Au” Symbol of Value and Pride
Gold has also become a prominent colour in the autistic community, inspired by its chemical symbol “Au” (from the Latin aurum), which serves as a fitting connection to the word “autism.” Gold represents value, acceptance, and pride, reinforcing that autistic individuals are inherently worthy and do not need to be changed or cured.
The Autistic Empire highlights gold in its Autistic Pride Flag, first introduced in 2005 by the group Aspies for Freedom. This flag, featuring a gold infinity symbol on a rainbow background, signifies neurodiversity and self-representation. Read more about its origins here: autisticempire.com/autistic-pride/
Similarly, NeuroClastic, an autistic-run platform, discusses the evolution of autism symbols and how gold emerged as a meaningful alternative to the blue puzzle piece. They explore its role in Autistic Pride Day (June 18) and broader advocacy efforts. Explore their insights here.
A Shift Toward Neuro-Affirmation
Both red and gold reflect the autistic community’s ongoing movement toward self-representation, acceptance, and pride. While red is closely associated with April’s Autism Acceptance Month, gold is widely used in year-round advocacy, particularly during Autistic Pride Day. These colours contrast symbols like the blue puzzle piece, which some autistic individuals view as implying they are “incomplete” or need fixing.
At the heart of this discussion is the importance of centring autistic voices. While perspectives on colours and symbols may vary, the neuro-affirmative stance prioritizes autistic-led initiatives championing inclusion, dignity, and equity.
By embracing red and gold, we continue to ensure that autistic individuals are not just recognized but truly valued for who they are.
For further reading, check out the following credible sources:
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network: autisticwomennetwork.org
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): autisticadvocacy.org
Autistic Empire – Autistic Pride Flag: autisticempire.com/autistic-pride/
NeuroClastic – Introducing our Golden Moment: neuroclastic.com
- Embrace Autism: embrace-autism.com/reclaiming-blue-for-autism/
- NeuroDivergent Rebel: https://neurodivergentrebel.com/2021/04/07/why-you-should-not-light-up-blue-to-raise-awareness-of-autism-autistic-people/
As the autism community and its allies continue these conversations, it’s essential to approach them with understanding, openness, and a commitment to equity.
