Parenting

Helping To Solve The Puzzle Of Autism

Posted: 4/29/2011

By making your own puzzle, you can help support people with autism.

(NAPSI) - There’s a crafty and creative way fans of arts and crafts can help people living with autism. A leading group of arts and crafts supply stores has teamed up with the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism for their second annual in-store campaign and crafting event that asks customers to Act for Autism.

Today, one in 110 children is diagnosed with autism, and communities are reporting an increasing need for funding, services and support.

There’s no known cause, cure or single effective treatment, but with the right support, people with autism can make significant progress and lead meaningful lives at any age.

Customers who visit any A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts store will be able to donate $1 to Easter Seals’ Act for Autism campaign at checkout. This will support Easter Seals autism services, helping to provide children and adults with autism access to critical services that can help them live, learn, work and play.

As a special bonus for customers, the craft chain will host a free in-store “Make and Take” craft event at its 136 locations for children and their families. During the event, customers can come into the store to decorate an Act for Autism jigsaw puzzle or go online for instructions to create one at home.

All you’ll need to get started are these supplies from your local A.C. Moore store:

• Blank Puzzles, PAP 1211

• Deluxe Stamp Set, Peachtree

   Playthings, 104456228

• Pens, Markers, stamp pads

The campaign gives customers an opportunity to express their creativity, make a personalized puzzle, learn about autism and help support families living with autism.

“We know that through early detection and individualized intervention, children with autism make significant progress,” explained Dr. Patricia Wright, MPH, Ph.D., national director of autism services, Easter Seals. “The funds raised through our partnership with A.C. Moore will give more children with autism the care, guidance and support they need.”

Wright also noted that many of the charity’s centers get their supplies from the craft stores and crafts can serve as an outlet for those with autism.

To learn more about the campaign or to locate an A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts store, visit www.acmoore.com. To learn more about Easter Seals and autism, visit www.easterseals.com or www.actforautism.org.