How to Make an Autism Awareness Ribbon

Last Updated: March 2, 2023

Whether the month you are reading this is April or any other month, we wanted to share with you about Autism Ribbons. This article has crafting ideas with tips on symbolism to help you craft the best ribbon. Did you know---in the United States, April is known as: "Autism Awareness Month," or "Autism Acceptance Month." To celebrate autistic voices, we've compiled a list of information and fun tutorials to make your own ribbon, so keep reading to make a fun craft and learn some trivia along the way!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Ribbon

1
Be wary of traditional symbols for autism. Puzzle pieces and the color blue are associated with Autism Speaks, an organization that is generally considered to do much more harm than good, so the symbols can carry a very negative connotation.^{[1]
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- Studies also suggest that the puzzle piece, associated with autism or not, connotes incompleteness, strangeness, and imperfection.^{[3]
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2
Consider a rainbow ribbon. While there is no generally-accepted symbol for autism, many autistics use the neurodiversity symbol, which is a rainbow infinity sign. Rainbow colors are reminiscent of this symbol, and are meant to symbolize the diversity of humanity, autistic and otherwise.

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3
Consider a red ribbon. Many autistic people and their loved ones use the hashtag #RedInstead, a positive campaign meant to promote acceptance and optimism.
4
Look into other ways to show that your ribbon is related to autism. Because there is no universal symbol for autism, people not know what your ribbon is supposed to represent. Consider...
- Writing "Autism" on your ribbon
- Displaying your ribbon somewhere where autism is mentioned

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Creating the Ribbon

1
Set up your work space. Place everything where it is easy to reach.
- Put newspaper or a place mat under your work area so that glue does not get on your table or floor.
- Plug in the glue gun and insert a hot glue stick.
2
Measure 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) inches of ribbon and cut. You will need 6 inches (15 cm) if using thin ribbon or 10 inches (25 cm) if using thicker ribbon.
3
Fold your ribbon crossing one side over the other. Attach the back of the front side to the back side using a dab of glue in between where they meet.
4
Attach to your pin. Attach a safety pin by putting a dab of glue on the top of the pin and pressing it firmly to the ribbon until it is attached.
5
Finished.