Autism Society Puzzlethon At SHU, Saturday

FAIRFIELD — Graduate students of Sacred Heart University are working on a service learning project, which is to help organize and run the Puzzlethon event. The event is being directed by their teacher Dr Jacqueline Kellher for the class “Students With Special Needs.”

Puzzlethon is a statewide fundraiser and awareness day for autism spectrum disorders. This local gathering of the community is a unique fundraiser created by the Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN) to benefit the local autism community by providing financial support for programs and services. All proceeds raised will go to families demonstrating financial need raising family members with autism for purposes of purchasing safety devices, equipment, or training.

All puzzle enthusiasts and supporters of the autism community are invited to join ASCONN’s event at Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue in Fairfield, from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, April 7, for fun, food, puzzles, and prizes. The event is free to attend but donations will be accepted. SHU’s Puzzlethon will be presented in University Commons Auditorium.

The four hour puzzle marathon is designed to combine fundraising with an opportunity for everyone, including individuals with autism, to participate in a social activity that everyone enjoys. Organizers encourage the use of puzzles not just because of their universal appeal across ability ranges, but also because many persons on the spectrum are particularly skilled at puzzles. The puzzle piece is the symbol of the autism community.

For more information about the event, or to donate online, visit ASCONN.org or call 203- 371-7840.