Center for Autism and Related Disorders Partners with Paper Clouds Apparel to Launch Custom-Ordered Shirts Designed by Children with Autism

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), theworld’s largest provider of effective, early-intensive behavioral interventionfor individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is proud to announce its new product line with Paper Clouds Apparel.  The line will showcase theartwork of children with autism who were treated by CARD. 

 Paper Clouds Apparel transferred the artwork to eco and sensory-friendly, high-qualitybamboo shirts, prints and greeting cards.  The one-of-a-kind pieces willbe sold at www.papercloudsapparel.combeginning January 7.

“We are excited to engage in this venture in an effort toraise awareness about autism and celebrate the hope and success that childrenwith autism face every day at CARD,” said CARD Founder and CEO DoreenGranpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D.  “By providing the artwork from our clients forthese inspired shirts, we hope to encourage other children with special needsto follow their dreams.”

The shirts will be custom-ordered and printed at theconclusion of the promotion period, making them a limited edition and automaticcollector’s item.  The deadline to order CARD’s merchandise is promptly at 9 a.m. EST on January 21.    

About the Men's Line Artist, 9-year-old Jem:

Jem loves Legos, playing video games, robots and anything to do withspace.  He plans to be a rocket scientist when he grows up and has alreadypicked out his office at NASA.  Jem's mom and dad refer to the work CARDdid with Jem as the “autism miracle in our living room.”  Jem went frombeing a non-verbal child with self-injurious and violent behaviors to being avery verbal, funny, talented and completely included A-student.   

About the Women’s Line Artist, 7-year-old Ruby:

Ruby loves to draw just like her dad.  She enjoys goingto the park, making cookies, playing with Legos and swimming.  She has avery fun and loving personality.  CARD helped Ruby in all areas oflife.  She in now able to attend a typical school and is learning how to makefriends.  Ruby’s family is extremely appreciative of everything CARD hastaught her.    

“Being able to bring joy and a higher sense of self-worth tosome beautiful individuals (who just happen to have special needs) has made thisproject more personally rewarding than I could have ever expected,” said PaperClouds Apparel Founder Robert Thornton. 

 “Receiving emails from parents ofthese amazing artists telling me how this project has completely changed thedynamic of their home life brought me to tears.  Parents thanking me forthe excitement, hope and self-esteem boost this project has given theirchildren has been such an unexpected benefit.”  

Robert Thornton will be appearing on Autism Live Friday,January 11 at 10:00 a.m. PST to discuss the partnership with CARD.  AutismLive is an interactive web show that provides support, resources, information,facts, entertainment and inspiration to parents, teachers and practitionersworking with children on the autism spectrum.  To watch the show go to http://www.autism-live.com/.

About Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.(CARD):

Since 1990, CARD has been treating individuals of all agesdiagnosed with ASD.  Through their 23 treatment centers and worldwidenetwork of providers, CARD has developed a successful model of treatment basedon the principals of applied behavior analysis.  The treatment is approvedby the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General as the onlyscientifically proven treatment for autism.  Founded by leading autismresearcher and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, CARD hassuccessfully treated tens of thousands of individuals and is committed tosuccess for each one.  For more information visit: www.centerforautism.com or call (855)345-2273.  

About Paper Clouds Apparel:

Paper Clouds Apparel raises funds for special needs schoolsand organizations while showcasing the creative minds and artistic abilities ofindividuals with special needs.  It does this by transferring a piece ofartwork an individual with special needs has created on to eco andsensory-friendly bamboo shirts, high-quality prints and greeting cards. Paper Clouds Apparel also hires individuals with special needs to package allof their apparel.  This provides steady employment to a demographic thatstruggles to find quality job opportunities.  For more information visit www.papercloudsapparel.com.