# What is the symbol for autism, and why do many autistic people prefer the infinity sign?

> The gold and rainbow infinity symbols, the colors you'll see in April, and why the older symbol fell out of favor.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-symbols
By The Autism Kit team · Reviewed by [BCBA NAME], BCBA · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Many autistic people use a gold infinity symbol for autism (gold's chemical symbol is Au) and a rainbow infinity symbol for neurodiversity. The infinity loop stands for the wide range of ways people think and experience the world. Many autistic adults avoid the older puzzle-shaped symbol because it suggests something is missing or needs solving.

**Key takeaways**
- The **gold infinity** symbol stands for **autism**. Gold's chemical symbol is **Au**.
- The **rainbow infinity** symbol stands for **neurodiversity**.
- Many autistic people **avoid the old puzzle piece** symbol.
- When in doubt, **ask autistic people** what they prefer.

## What is the autism symbol?

The symbol most used by autistic people today is the **infinity loop**:

- **Gold infinity** for autism. Gold's chemical symbol is Au, the first two letters of autism.
- **Rainbow infinity** for neurodiversity, the idea that brains naturally work in many different ways.

The loop has no beginning or end. For many people, it stands for the wide, varied spectrum of autistic experience, and for acceptance rather than a problem to be fixed.

## Why did the puzzle piece fall out of favor?

The puzzle piece was introduced in the 1960s and became widely used by charities. Many autistic adults now reject it, because it suggests autistic people are puzzling, incomplete or missing a piece.

A 2018 study found that puzzle pieces bring up negative ideas like "imperfect" and "incomplete" for the general public too, even when people don't connect them to autism.[1]

**Why we don't use it.** The Autism Kit doesn't use puzzle imagery. We follow the lead of autistic self-advocates, who have asked for symbols
  that show acceptance.
  [2]

## What do the autism colors mean?

| Color | Often means |
| --- | --- |
| Gold | Autism (from Au, gold's chemical symbol) |
| Rainbow | Neurodiversity and the full spectrum |
| Red | "Red instead," a campaign by autistic advocates for acceptance |
| Blue | Older awareness campaigns, which many autistic people don't support |

## How can my family show support?

Every April, many people mark Autism Acceptance Month.[3] A few ideas that center autistic people:

- Use the **infinity symbol** in crafts, shirts or school projects
- Share books, videos or art **made by autistic people**
- Ask your autistic child which symbol or color **they** like, if they want one at all

Read more in [What is Autism Acceptance Month?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-acceptance-month)

**Let your child choose.** Some kids love having a symbol that's theirs. Others don't care about symbols at all. Either is fine.

Free printable: [Free printable: starter pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/starter-pack.pdf)

## What can we do this week?

- [ ] Ask your child if they'd like a symbol or color
- [ ] Make an infinity-loop craft together
- [ ] Find one book or video by an autistic creator

Read next: [What is autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-autism)

## Common questions

### What color represents autism?

Many autistic people use gold or a rainbow spectrum. Blue is linked to older awareness campaigns, and some autistic advocates promote "red instead" as an alternative to them.

### Is there an autism flag?

There's no single official flag. The gold or rainbow infinity symbol is the most widely used by autistic people themselves.

### Is it OK to use the old symbol?

Some families and organizations still do. Many autistic people find it hurtful, so if you're choosing a symbol for your family or school, the infinity loop is a more welcoming choice.

## Sources

1. Gernsbacher MA, et al. Do puzzle pieces and autism puzzle piece logos evoke negative associations? Autism, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361317727125
2. Autistic Self Advocacy Network: About ASAN. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/
3. Autism Society: Autism Acceptance Month. https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.