The Autism Impact Corporation (AIC) was formed to raise funds and awareness in support of the greater autism community of central Wisconsin. With these funds, we hope to purchase supplies and services for the autism community not provided by the already stretched budgets of government or educational programs.

As you are likely aware, autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime, and part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups, and is four times more likely to affect boys than girls.

One of the programs we have helped fund is Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver allows family members of children or adults with developmental disabilities to track, in an emergency, those who are at risk of wandering away. Some individuals afflicted with autism present this risk. Project Lifesaver is helping provide services, but is underfunded, and has greatly benefited from our help—your help.

After our inaugral JigsawRun 2009, we were able to triple the number of mobile rigs for finding these kids and adults with disabilities as well as buy down the cost of adding new people to the program. We were able to provide equipment that may have taken them years to acquire under their regular budget. Of course, this is not the sum total of the effect we're trying to have on our Wisconsin communities, only the beginning. We will be participating in educational and respite programs to help, while remaining agile in our assessment and application of support to important programs in need.

Thanks for your interest and support of the Jigsaw events!