New York – Joshua Mirsky, 29, won the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) flag contest and designed New York’s first neurodiverse flag. Made of red and gold, with the infinity symbol inside a diamond, the flag symbolizes strength and value. “I chose red because it is a powerful color. We want society to take us seriously. We are not blue. Gold means ‘first place.’ , represents the value. We are not second or third class citizens,” Mirsky said. The infinity symbol represents acceptance of autism. According to Josh, it has become a symbol that neurodiverse communities use to represent themselves.
On Oct. 7, the New York State (NYS) Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board issued a neurodiversity flag that “serves as a statement that the social contributions of neurodiverse people should be recognized and celebrated.” announced a contest to submit designs for , said in a message.
After being named a member of the NYS Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Board in 2020, Mirski wanted to use the opportunity to make a difference. He introduced the idea of neurodiversity flags to represent people on the spectrum after he felt his community wasn’t represented the way he wanted. I called on you to carry out this plan. “We need a symbol for change, something that people can rally together,” said Josh. “Every movement has a flag. The flag of neurodiversity gives our population a sense of identity and purpose, around which people can unite.” to usher in a new era of his advocacy.
Image credits: Joshua Mirsky
Mirsky envisions a world where future children will have more opportunities than they did when they grew up. He says that if a neurodiverse population did it themselves, they would see the change.
“I feel blessed to be in New York. I wouldn’t have been able to do this anywhere else. If people would listen and give neurodiverse people a chance, Their minds will be blown if you give to change the world,” Mirsky said.
