Paper Clouds debuts apparel made by Autistic children

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.

“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 have 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.