SEND US YOUR PIECE OF THE PUZZLE!

**UPDATE**
AUTISM IS A NATIONAL HEALTH CRISIS!

Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island (FEAT/RI) began a state wide campaign to collect as many puzzle pieces as possible from family members, friends, teachers, therapists, co-workers, neighbors and individuals with autism, to demonstrate just how many lives are touched by autism in Rhode Island.
The purpose of this campaign was to demonstrate, visually, to our local and state representatives, at the Rhode Island Autism Coalition's 2008 Autism Awareness Day at the Rhode Island State House, the magnitude of autism throughout our state.
Our puzzle piece artwork represented:
· 304 puzzle pieces collected from across the state in two short months.
· Ages represented range from 2 years old to 43 years old.
· 253 Males and 51 females are represented in this sample.

Thank you to everyone who sent in a puzzle piece!
FEAT/RI Board of Directors
April 9, 2008

Autism is a neurological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Recently the Centers for Disease Control found that 1 in 150 children in America today have autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all ethnic, racial, and socieo-economic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls. The Autism Society of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans and their families are now affected by autism. FEAT/RI thanks you for your ongoing support of our efforts to promote Autism Awareness!
Sincerely,
Breta Combs, Chairperson FEAT/RI Board of Directors