Awareness is the Missing Piece.
We have often been questioned about our name. Some autistics have criticized the name stating “autistics are not missing anything”. Some parents and individuals react to the puzzle piece claiming “my child is a person not a puzzle”. Well being a parent myself I can tell you typical or not all my children at some point have puzzled me.
I welcome the questions and I even welcome the controversy because it creates an opportunity to open up a dialogue. When this happens it further brings attention to an issue that undoubtedly needs attention. That issue being acceptance.
So let me tell you a little bit about the name “Missing Piece Awareness”
The name of the company is Missing Piece Awareness. The Missing Piece for us is awareness. The missing piece that will bridge the gap of acceptance is understanding through education. The key is unlocking the puzzle for the neuro-typical populations’ lack of information and understanding. Anything that a person does not have familiarity with or an understanding of can be puzzling. Businesses may be puzzled as to how to best support their customers and families with an autistic individual.
Our tag line “solving the puzzle … one business at a time” is about the businesses missing out and what they need to know. Our definition of awareness is one that requires action. It is not a static state nor is it an understanding that can be achieved by reading a book or watching a video. We are seeing GREAT things happen through our interactive business trainings. We are working with hundreds of young adults on the front lines of businesses, ages 16-26. They are bringing information back to their high schools and colleges that will bring our message even further. We have heard from them directly how they will foster acceptance and work to stop bullying. This is a side effect we didn’t even foresee when we began working with businesses.
While the change may not be happening quickly enough for many, myself included, we are seeing it happen. It is because of the businesses that are being PROACTIVE in training their staff properly. Businesses that are doing the right thing all the time and not waiting for bad press and then making a donation to a charity to fix the problem. These are the businesses that are solving the puzzle and laying the foundation for acceptance and sustainable change.
You can learn more and connect with them here.
