EASTON Haley Cuthbert knows firsthand how autism can affect a family. With a sibling on the autism spectrum, Cuthbert has seen social struggles, the meanness of other kids and the triumphs of overcoming challenges faced.
“We’ve all been affected by it, by seeing her struggle all these years and kids not being really kind to her,” Cuthbert said. “I’ve also seen her struggle with kids in school because her social skills aren’t on the same level with kids that don’t have a disability.”
Because of those experiences, she decided to create the Puzzle Piece Project for her senior project course at Oliver Ames High School. Cuthbert, 17, said she is hoping it will help raise awareness and supply schools with tools to help all children, not just those with disabilities, as they navigate the autism world.