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Top 103 Best Autism Tattoos [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 103 Best Autism Tattoos [2022 Inspiration Guide]

  • Next Luxury / Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Stew Post

Tattoos serve as powerful reminders of important life events, personal interests and loved ones. A growing trend in the tattoo community is the use of these permanent pieces of art as a way to show solidarity with, and inclusion in, the rising number of individuals effected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.

ASD is a bio-neurological developmental disorder that affects 1 in 59 children in the United States and is generally typified by difficulty in language comprehension and expression, poor eye contact and general trouble with socialization.

The growing number of instances of ASD, as well as the interconnectedness made possible by the internet, has helped people around the world unite and create a support group around ASD.

As we will see, the puzzle piece is an important symbol in the community and represents the complex nature of the disorder and the importance of helping each other to “solve the puzzle.”

Animal Autism Tattoos

Animals have been incorporated in tattoos since the beginning: some of the earliest tattoos used animals and other natural design elements.

However, animals in relation to autism take on another level of significance. Many researchers in the field of ASD have examined the powerful role animal therapy can play in dealing with children on the spectrum and discovered that the link between humans and animals can help children with ASD develop the social skills that so many struggle with.

Here are some autism tattoos that incorporate animals into their designs.

Full color wrist tattoo of Disney character “Stitch” holding a heart shaped, Autism Awareness Puzzle balloon.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of a puzzle piece with two white doves flying from a tree.

Full color calf tattoo of a puzzle piece with a tree, birds, Scorpio symbol and an EKG reading.

Full Color Tattoo Of Finding Nemo

This is a lovely tattoo that uses an image from a popular Disney movie to create a symbol of unity with those suffering from ASD.

The multi-colored puzzle pieces on the shell prominently display the importance of this issue to the wearer, who possibly chose this character based on their child’s love of the movie. The tattoo itself is well executed.

The limited use of black line work in favor of gradated color is an interesting choice that works perfectly here. The blending of tones to create shadow and highlights is expertly employed and creates an accurate cartoon image.

Full color tattoo of Mickey Mouse with Autism Awareness Puzzle ears, with one piece missing.

Full color thigh tattoo of Mickey Mouse silhouette with Autism Awareness Puzzle and heart-shaped hands.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of cartoon unicorn and Autism Awareness Puzzle butterfly.

Full color calf tattoo of an illustrative Autism Awareness Puzzle butterfly with one piece out of place.

Full color forearm tattoo of a tree growing from Autism Awareness Puzzle heart with four butterflies.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of tree with multi-colored leaves growing over a puzzle piece and birds flying.

Full color calf tattoo of Winnie the Pooh falling with an Autism Awareness Puzzle heart balloon.

Full color forearm tattoo of two elephants holding a puzzle piece and watercolor splashes with text.

Full color arm tattoo of abstract, multi-colored, puzzle piece giraffe.

Black and gray hand tattoo of a bumble bee with a puzzle piece in its wing.

This is a lovely, black and gray tattoo that lets the wearer show their dedication to ASD awareness everywhere they go. This piece, boldly place on the hand, uses clean lines and smooth whip shading to create an illustrative bumble bee.

The puzzle piece, removed from one wing, conveys the importance of ASD in their life. The choice of a bee is also interesting. While it may have other, deeper significance, bees are highly social creatures that are able to survive thanks to their advanced communities and team work. This is a nod to the struggle of those with ASD to overcome difficulties with socializing.

Limited color stomach tattoo of a puzzle piece with a multi-colored tree and black birds flying.

Full color wrist tattoo of a baby elephant holding two puzzle piece balloons.

Full color forearm tattoo of a butterfly with Autism Awareness Puzzle wings and text: Nathen.

Full color forearm tattoo of a puzzle piece with a multi-colored tree and flying birds.

Autism Quote Tattoos

Another common theme for tattoos is the incorporation of script that is meaningful to the wearer. The frustration of parents and loved ones when dealing with this disorder can leave them feeling drained and simple words, permanently etched on their skin, are often the reminder they need that love will persevere.

These lovely tattoos use motivational quotes to show the world their love and dedication to their family members with ASD.

Black and gray upper-arm tattoo of puzzle piece removed to reveal clock working and an inspirational quote.

Full color tattoo of watercolor splashes and negative space puzzle piece with an inspirational quote.

Full color forearm tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle heart with an inspirational quote.

: Full color spine tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle hear balloon with an inspirational quote as the string.

This is a lovely design that uses some familiar elements to create an interesting tattoo. The multi-colored puzzle design is an unmistakable symbol for ASD awareness and the heart-shape balloon most likely represents the fact that a son or daughter is afflicted with the disorder. The script in this piece is also well thought out and applied.

The smooth cursive script reads “Different not less”, a common sentiment in the ASD support community. This is a unique piece that permanently demonstrates the wearer’s dedication to ASD awareness.

Full color forearm tattoo of a multi-colored puzzle key with text: Acceptance.

Full color upper-arm tattoo of puzzle pieces with baby foot print, watercolor splashes and inspirational quote.

Full color outside forearm tattoo with watercolor puzzle piece, tree and an inspirational quote.

Limited color forearm tattoo of “LOVE” with puzzle pieces filling the heart-shaped “O”.

Full color Autism Awareness Puzzle heart with EKG reading and an inspirational quote.

Full color tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle piece with an inspirational quote.

Limited color wrist tattoo of “Love you more” with puzzle pieces filling the heart-shaped “O”.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of AUTISM acronym with multi-colored puzzle pieces.

Black and Gray Autism Tattoos

Black and gray designs have a long history in the tattoo world, often favored for their understated nature and classic look. As we have seen, the multi-colored puzzle motif is a universal symbol for ASD, however these more subdued black and gray pieces are still able to perfectly express the deep emotions associated with the highly personal struggle of life with ASD.

Black forearm tattoo “Too strong to fail” with a heart and puzzle piece.

Black and gray wrist tattoo of “Hope” with a puzzle piece.

Black tattoo of a heart with negative puzzle piece and mother and child silhouette.

Black and gray forearm tattoo of an ornate skeleton key with puzzle piece for the bit.

Black and gray bicep tattoo of a puzzle piece with paisley designs inside.

Here is another puzzle piece used to commemorate the importance of ASD in the wearer’s life. This tattoo uses smooth line work and balanced composition to create an interesting piece. The incorporation of simple lining for the paisley pattern inside the puzzle piece works perfectly, creating an understated but unique tattoo.

The prominent placement on the forearm ensures that everyone will know the significance that ASD holds to the wearer.

Black and gray tattoo of a puzzle piece with a tree and birds flying.

Black and gray rib tattoo of a puzzle piece removed to show inner workings of a clock.

Small black and gray wrist tattoo of a puzzle piece made to look like the hand symbol for love.

Feather Autism Tattoos

Feathers have become an increasingly common element in tattooing in the last five years, specifically for women. Feathers can represent light heartedness, a delicate nature and beauty.

They have also gained popularity in autism tattoos, perhaps for these same characteristics, although the use of feathers could also be a subtle nod to the powerful and popular ASD memoir, Do Lemons Have Feathers?

Either way, these lovely designs utilize feathers to create interesting and meaningful tattoos.

Full color forearm tattoo a multi-colored, watercolor feather with puzzle pieces.

Full color collar bone tattoo of a multi-colored feather with script “Different Not Less”.

Full color tattoo behind the ear of a multi-colored, watercolor feather with puzzle pieces.

Full color forearm tattoo of a multi-colored, watercolor feather with a negative space puzzle piece.

Floral Autism Tattoos

People have been decorating their bodies with flowers for years, with different flowers often representing different traits and characteristics.

Roses often stand for love while daisies represent innocence and youth. Here, flowers are used to personalize a piece and create unique designs to commemorate the wearer’s love for a family member with ASD.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of a purple rose with some Autism Awareness Puzzle petals.

Full color foot tattoo of a chain of multi-colored puzzle pieces and beads with a tree branch.

Full color upper-arm tattoo of a multi-colored dandelion with seeds and puzzle pieces blowing in the wind.

Black and gray ankle tattoo of puzzle piece with realistic flowers inside.

This is a beautiful, black and gray tattoo that makes use of the puzzle piece to convey the wearer’s dedication to ASD awareness. This small piece uses fine line work and smooth shading to create realistic flowers inside the well balanced puzzle piece.

The level of detail in the flowers is impressive and the subtle shading and use of negative space for highlights lets the flowers pop while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. This is a lovely, small memorial to ASD.

Black and gray unfinished forearm of puzzle piece heart and classic roses.

Full color shoulder tattoo of two black roses and one multi-colored puzzle piece rose.

Heart Autism Tattoos

The heart is a common theme in tattoos. Some people prefer a classic, stylized heart, while others opt for a more anatomically correct design to convey their feelings.

Whatever the style, the heart is perhaps the most recognizable symbol for love that we have, and as such it is regularly used to commemorate both romantic as well as familial passion.

Here are some interesting designs that use hearts as a way to communicate the strongest emotion of all.

Full color rib tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle pieces with negative space heart.

Full color forearm tattoo of puzzle piece with tribal designs, watercolor splashes and negative space heart.

Full color wrist tattoo of a puzzle piece with a string that forms a heart and “piper”.

Full color calf tattoo of a heart formed by stars, puzzle pieces, musical notes and swooping line.

Full color wrist tattoo of a thing black heart with a multi-colored puzzle piece suspended inside.

Full color tattoo of a red puzzle piece with a negative space heart and cursive script “Tyler”.

Small black and gray rib tattoo of a puzzle piece with stipple shading.

Full color tattoo behind the ear of four small hearts, red, green, blue and yellow.

Full color wrist tattoo of an Autism Awareness Puzzle heart.

Full color forearm tattoo of a multi-colored heart with EKG readings on either side.

Full color forearm tattoo of a puzzle piece, and heart with watercolor splashes and an inspirational quote.

Full color ankle tattoo of a cursive “K”, heart and multi-colored puzzle piece.

Full color wrist tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle piece with a negative space heart.

Large Autism Tattoos

Sometimes the best way to display the importance of the subject of a tattoo is to go big. There is little surprise then that some of these tattoos commemorating a parent’s never ending love for their child use big and bold designs. Here are some good examples of large tattoos dedicated to those with ASD.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of a puzzle piece with a sun, blue sky, cherry tree and birds flying.

Limited color thigh tattoo of black and gray roses surrounding a multi-colored gem stone heart.

Large black and gray thigh tattoo of a puzzle piece with “Daniel” and inspirational quotes.

Full color tattoo of a multi-colored puzzle piece lock with a skeleton key in the key hole.

This is a lovely full color piece that will serve as a memorial to the impact of ASD in the wearer’s life. The multi-colored puzzle pieces are flawless and the line work is consistent and precise.

The design and composition are also interesting: the three-dimensional effect achieved through the use of perspective is well executed, adding another layer of depth to this tattoo that sets it apart from similar designs.

Full color forearm tattoo of a super hero puzzle piece with child’s script “Abraham”.

Limited color forearm tattoo of puzzle pieces with missing pieces revealing a realistic child at the beach.

Full color calf tattoo of a puzzle piece with cartoon tornado, clouds and sun with trees and a barn.

Linear Autism Tattoos

Sometimes simple is best. While many people prefer big, bold designs, there is definitely something to be said for small, delicate tattoos. Sometimes these pieces are meant less for others to appreciate and more to serve as personal reminders to the wearer.

In the case of ASD tattoos, these simple, line work designs can mean more to the wearer than any full body tattoo ever could.

Small, simple line work puzzle piece tattoo on the wrist.

Simple line work tattoo of a light bulb with a puzzle piece as the filament.

Small, simple line work puzzle piece tattoo on the ankle.

Simple line work puzzle piece tattoo with a small heart on the wrist.

Rainbow-Colored Autism Tattoos

As demonstrated in previous examples, the multi-colored puzzle design is important in the ASD awareness movement. While many people use the puzzle motif exclusively, some people use the rainbow colors as a way to show their solidarity with the ASD community.

In this group, the multi-colored design represents the fact the people from all different ethnic groups can be equally affected by this difficult disorder.

Full color forearm tattoo of “Dori” from Finding Nemo with watercolor splashes and inspirational quote.

Small full color wrist tattoo of a multi-colored puzzle piece.

Full color forearm tattoo of watercolor splashes, negative space puzzle pieces and child-like “Corbin” script.

Full color wrist tattoo of watercolor splashes and line work puzzle piece.

Full color forearm tattoo of Star Wars droid with Autism Awareness Puzzle designs.

Full color wrist tattoo of watercolor pinwheel with negative space puzzle piece.

Full color matching wrist tattoo of multi-colored puzzle pieces.

Full color tattoo of locomotive with puzzle designs watercolor splashes and an EKG reading.

Small full color forearm tattoo of multi-colored puzzle piece with black drop shadow.

Small full color wrist tattoo of six dots: red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple.

Small full color wrist tattoo of a multi-colored puzzle piece with decorative, line work flourishes.

Full color forearm tattoo of a tree with multi-colored puzzle piece leaves and a child on a swing.

Full color forearm tattoo of a treble clef and puzzle pieces spelling “AUTISM”.

Full color hand tattoo of anatomical hear wrapped in multi-colored puzzle piece scrolls.

Full color forearm tattoo of watercolor splashes a negative space puzzle piece and child-like script: “Jonathan”.

Full color forearm tattoo with black and gray puzzle piece revealing multi-colored puzzle pieces beneath with “Proverbs 16:9”.

Ribbon Autism Tattoos

Ribbons have become highly visible way to show solidarity with different groups of people, from cancer survivors and those suffering with HIV/AIDS.

The rainbow-colored, puzzle ribbon is the Autism Society’s international symbol for ASD awareness and has become a common element in ASD tattoos. Here are a few examples of pieces that incorporate this powerful symbol.

Full color bicep tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle ribbon.

Full color tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle ribbon with stylized butterfly wings.

Full color wrist tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle ribbon

Full color upper-arm tattoo of Autism Awareness Puzzle ribbon.

Traditional Autism Tattoos

American Traditional style tattoos are popular because of their classic sensibility and bold colors. Here this same striking style is utilized to commemorate the wearer’s dedication to ASD while creating a timeless tattoo.

Full color calf tattoo of American traditional Russian nesting doll with flowers and a blue puzzle piece.

Full color forearm tattoo of a puzzle piece inside a heart with an American traditional swallow and flower.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo with American traditional flowers and inspirational quote with globe missing a puzzle piece.

Full color tattoo of Day of Dead skull with multi-colored puzzle pieces and roses.

Watercolor Autism Tattoos

This style is invokes a child-like innocence and naivety while still creating lovely colorful designs. It is no wonder that this style has become popular for ASD tattoos, considering the number of children living with this disorder.

Full color shoulder blade tattoo of infinity symbol with a puzzle piece and watercolor splashes.

Full color wrist tattoo of line work puzzle piece with watercolor splashes.

Full color thigh tattoo of child’s silhouette with balloon and puzzle piece cape with watercolor splashes.

: Full color calf tattoo with baby elephant holding watercolor feather with puzzle pieces and line work flourishes.

Full color puzzle piece tattoo behind the ear with watercolor splashes.

Four matching full color puzzle piece tattoos with watercolor splashes.

 

 

 

 

 

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Stew Post

Writer

Stewart Post has been writing for Next Luxury’s tattoo department since the beginning of 2020, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of permanent body art. Gaining experience in the industry in the tattoo studios of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, his love of ink is a central theme in his work with Next Luxury.

Stewart Post has been writing for Next Luxury’s tattoo department since the beginning of 2020, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of permanent body art. Gaining experience in the industry in the tattoo studios of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, his love of ink is a central theme in his work with Next Luxury.

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