Autism Shield

Noun- A person or thing providing protection  

Verb- Protect (someone or something) from a danger, risk, or unpleasant experience

The Autism Shield symbolizes the power within an autistic person. Autism is a neurodivergence that isn’t visible externally. The Autism Shield is an indication for others to be understanding of neurodivergence, to have patience with interactions, and considerate of behaviors.        

The Autism Shield was created for two reasons. First, to help Autistic people and their caregivers have an external symbol to indicate the neurodivergence without verbal communication. Second, for public awareness of Autism and promote positive interaction. 

An Autistic person’s neuropathways process sensory information at a heightened level. Their sensory perceptions can be impacted by their surroundings. As with all humans, each Autistic person is unique on how, what, where, or why they are impacted. The Autism Shield is to help the experience of the Autistic person and others around. The Autism Shield is an indication to others to adjust their own expectations on interactions and behaviors. It gives others the opportunity to connect with the Autistic person through understanding, patients, and consideration. Adjustments in approach and environment can make the experience more successful for everyone.

At the end of the day, we are all human. We all process life events differently and approach others in our own way.  The Autism Shield identifies with a symbol, a human who askes other humans to be understanding, patient, and considerate as they process. Who knows what you may learn from an Autistic person by being a kind human and taking the time to connect on their wave link.     .

The shield design was inspired by the Celtic Shield, Dara Knot. The Dara Knot was named and designed from the Celtic word “Doire” that means “Oak Tree”. 

The visual impact of the Dara Knot is why it was chosen as the Autism Shield design.  It is said, the Dara Knot design represents the elaborate and powerful root system that holds the mighty oak tree up strong to endure the elements of the environment. 

For the design of the Autism Shield, it represents the intricate neuropathways along with the strength, wisdom, endurance, leadership, and power an Autistic person hold within. The Autism Shield is an outward symbol to impacts how a person perceives and socializes with Autistic people. With kindness we can unit the roots of humanity to be stronger together by learning from each other.