Supporting Autism Awareness Month

In case you’ve missed it, April is Autism Awareness Month – a month very near and dear to our hearts at Aunt Laurie’s since many of our products in our hand woven gift baskets are made by individuals with autism.

Sadly, autism and people with autism are often misunderstood. But, given that it is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S. – affecting 1 in every 68 children and costing families an average of $60,000 a year – lending our support has never been more important.

One of the ways you can do this is by supporting organizations that empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential. I’ve listed five special organizations below, which not only support such individuals, but provide them with employment opportunities so they can learn new skills.

1. Extraordinary Ventures
This North Carolina-based company employs young men and women with autism, who make a variety of beautifully scented candles, scrubs and soaps. We’ve included one of their candles in our Autism Awareness Gift Basket!

2. Crafters for Life
This Pennsylvania-based company empowers students with Autism to create quality products with the goal of transitioning them into contributing members of a self-sufficient work force. They supply our coasters, scrubs and key chains!

3. SMILE
This Arizona-based company strives to help those who are impacted by autism continuously strive for advancements in life skills development, social connections and pathways toward greater independence. We’ve included their homemade biscotti in our Autism Awareness Gift Basket!

4. Spectrum Designs
This New York-based apparel decorating business provides gainful employment and meaningful work opportunities to individuals with autism. Check out their story here.

These organizations are truly remarkable, helping and supporting countless individuals with autism, as well as their families. Whether lending your support through social media or online purchases, we hope you’ll help us spread the word about all the good they are doing!

See also our Autism Awareness Gift Basket, filled with products made, packaged or assembled by individuals with autism.

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