PIECE for Autism: Raising Fashionable Awareness

By Leah Postelnik

Spreading the word and bringing awareness to the fight against Autism Spectrum Disorder has taken new form. One company, PIECE for Autism, has introduced a stylish way to show your support for the cause. The need to make advocacy fashionable, in order to increase the number of activists is true across the board, no matter how worthy the cause. Fashion and palatability bring numbers. That is what makes the work of PIECE so beneficial.

PIECE is a South Florida based company offering high-end fashion jewelry with a charitable twist. Featuring hand made custom Nishi necklaces, PIECE offers a fashionable awareness of autism spectrum disorder, while supporting the fight for a cure.

PIECE for Autism’s signature jewelry represents hope for the cure and desire to bring peace to the lives of those who are affected by autism, mixed with a trendy look that is sure to garner the positive attention needed to win the fight against ASD. It offers fashionable consumers a chance to join the cause and show their support for the cure on a daily basis. Buyers can express their support through a variety of necklace choices. From the custom designed Awareness Puzzle Piece necklace to the “hope,” “peace,” and “cure” inscribed Halo necklaces, there is something for everyone. There is even an option to personalize the “Halo” with your loved one’s name. All of which can be found and ordered on the www.PieceForAutism.com website.

Founded by Kelly Pritchard, a Fort Lauderdale based speech-language pathologist, PIECE aims at contributing to the fight against autism by donating 25% of their proceeds to the cause. Always having a knack for fashion and a passion for her career, Pritchard jumped at the opportunity to work with a talented and up-and-coming designer, Joanna Bengoa of Nishi, to create one of-a-kind pieces. Nishi is a New York based jewelry design firm whose hand-made, nature inspired, jewelry has been featured in popular fashion magazines across the world.

The collaboration between Nishi and “PIECE for Autism” brings the worlds of fashion and charity together. The idea for the company grew from a personal experience between the therapist and a child. Pritchard works full-time treating children, both within the school system and private setting. She became inspired to help the autism community when a child on her caseload, Jack, was diagnosed with the disorder.

Pritchard learned how important and challenging the road to recovery is for both children and their families. “Given the amount of children diagnosed daily, I was amazed at how difficult it was to get answers for this family. I then realized that it was my ethical and moral responsibility to educate myself and others about autism”, explained Pritchard. Jack’s journey touched her life and inspired her to help other families dealing with autism.

Jack is now well on the road to recovery through a combination of therapies and biomedical interventions. Witnessing his success, it was then that Kelly decided to take a proactive step in raising awareness to this disorder that affects so many families.

Kelly’s long term goal is to help families afford expensive, yet effective treatment for their children, through her efforts with PIECE. "I love my career and I love helping children. Jack’s journey has touched my heart and ignited a passion to help others dealing with autism. Creating this company was so much fun because it allowed me to combine my career with my other favorite interest – fashion!"

Donating 25% of their proceeds to various autism organizations, including Generation Rescue and Autism Speaks, PIECE aims to not only bring awareness to the cause, but to also contributing to organizations that are involved in research and family support. With beautiful jewelry, Kelly hopes to add another piece to the puzzle that is Autism.