| Though I am a teacher first and foremost because I | | | | help meet such choices and challenges. |
| adore the kids, I admit that a wonderful extra benefit is | | | | The idea for this product came about one day as she |
| getting to know the children's families. I was blessed to | | | | was stopped at a traffic light and noticed an Autism |
| meet the Ambrose family when I taught two of their | | | | awareness ribbon magnet on the back of the car in |
| three children several years ago. Having one child with | | | | front of her. Her Dad, a woodworker and woodcrafter |
| special needs, Susan Ambrose has worked tirelessly | | | | for over 40 years, made the awareness ribbon into an |
| to help raise funds and awareness for other causes. | | | | actual puzzle, creating the first prototype. |
| Her company, Puzzles For Cures, is pleased to | | | | Puzzles For Cures presented the puzzle to the Autism |
| announce that they have received written approval | | | | Society of America and received its approval. Though |
| from the Autism Society of America (ASA) to use its | | | | the puzzles were initially made of wood, the group |
| patented ribbon, created with colorful puzzle pieces, to | | | | struggled to keep up with a growing demand. They |
| manufacture a puzzle of the well-recognized symbol. | | | | realized they needed to take it to the next level. |
| The puzzle has already been well received as an | | | | The idea of a floor puzzle evolved, and Melissa & |
| effective fundraising tool by groups including schools, | | | | Doug, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality |
| therapy facilities and united groups of parents. | | | | puzzles and toys for children, signed on. The |
| Today, 1 out of every 150 children (4 out of 5 boys) | | | | ribbon-shaped floor puzzle is comprised of 36 pieces |
| born in our country has been diagnosed with Autism, | | | | of "Easy-Clean" surface, which keeps the surface |
| which is the fastest growing developmental disability. | | | | looking like new. It measures 18" x 36". All Melissa |
| These puzzles have many benefits. Fundraising dollars | | | | & Doug products are carefully crafted using |
| are being used for therapies and professional | | | | "non-toxic coatings and meet or exceed all U.S. toy |
| seminars; children are enjoying this educational toy; and | | | | testing standards." |
| Autism awareness is being raised throughout many | | | | If you are interested in learning more about how the |
| communities. | | | | Puzzles For Cures Autism Puzzle can be an effective |
| Susan fully understands that no disability comes invited | | | | fundraising tool for your group, while also broadening |
| and that acceptance is key. She has been faced with | | | | awareness and providing children with an enjoyable |
| many choices and challenges with her own child, which | | | | fine motor activity, please contact Susan Ambrose at |
| resulted in a strong desire to do something positive to | | | | 856-220-0404. |