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

The product line, which features high-quality bamboo shirts, prints and greeting cards utilizes artwork created by clients of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and will launch on www.papercloudsapparel.com beginning January 7.

Tarzana, California (I-Newswire) January 8, 2013 - The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), the world’s largest provider of effective, early-intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is proud to announce its new product line with Paper Clouds Apparel. The line will showcase the artwork of children with autism who were treated by CARD. Paper Clouds Apparel transferred the artwork to eco and sensory-friendly, high-quality bamboo shirts, prints and greeting cards. The one-of-a-kind pieces will be sold at www.papercloudsapparel.com beginning January 7.

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

The shirts will be custom-ordered and printed at the conclusion of the promotion period, making them a limited edition and automatic collector’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 with space. He plans to be a rocket scientist when he grows up and has already picked out his office at NASA. Jem's mom and dad refer to the work CARD did with Jem as the “autism miracle in our living room.” Jem went from being a non-verbal child with self-injurious and violent behaviors to being a very 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 going to the park, making cookies, playing with Legos and swimming. She has a very fun and loving personality. CARD helped Ruby in all areas of life. She in now able to attend a typical school and is learning how to make friends. Ruby’s family is extremely appreciative of everything CARD has taught her.


“Being able to bring joy and a higher sense of self-worth to some beautiful individuals (who just happen to have special needs) has made this project more personally rewarding than I could have ever expected,” said Paper Clouds Apparel Founder Robert Thornton. “Receiving emails from parents of these amazing artists telling me how this project has completely changed the dynamic of their home life brought me to tears. Parents thanking me for the excitement, hope and self-esteem boost this project has given their children 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. Autism Live is an interactive web show that provides support, resources, information, facts, entertainment and inspiration to parents, teachers and practitioners working 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 ages diagnosed with ASD. Through their 23 treatment centers and worldwide network of providers, CARD has developed a successful model of treatment based on the principals of applied behavior analysis. The treatment is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General as the only scientifically proven treatment for autism. Founded by leading autism researcher and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, CARD has successfully treated tens of thousands of individuals and is committed to success 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 schools and organizations while showcasing the creative minds and artistic abilities of individuals with special needs. It does this by transferring a piece of artwork an individual with special needs has created on to eco and sensory-friendly bamboo shirts, high-quality prints and greeting cards. Paper Clouds Apparel also hires individuals with special needs to package all of their apparel. This provides steady employment to a demographic that struggles to find quality job opportunities. For more information visit www.papercloudsapparel.com.