Daniel Simmons a 14-year-old Boy Scout from Newark Troop 42 has started on his journey to become an Eagle Scout.

What makes this so different from any other Boy Scout doing the same thing — Daniel is autistic. He is high-functioning and most wouldn't know it to look at him, but he in fact does have autism.

Daniel's project  is all about autism and those that experience trouble communicating.  He has titled his project: Communication: One Piece at a Time.

You might wonder what this means. The Puzzle Piece has always represented autism and it's diverse group of symptoms. Thus, Daniel has partnered with the Autism Society of Illinois (ASI) to sell paper puzzle pieces for $2 each so that he can purchase tablet computers to go to autistic children who have difficulty communicating.  The children will be chosen by ASI through a survey that has been filled out on their behalf and sent to ASI.

Surveys can be obtained by visiting ASI's website at www.autismillinois.org.  You may also purchase puzzle pieces at the same time.  We will finish collecting surveys and selling puzzle pieces on March 31, 2013.

We wish Daniel the best of luck in selling 1,400 puzzle pieces to cover a map of the state of Illinois that is 5 by 4 feet wide and will be hung at the Autism Society of Illinois main office in Lombard, Ill.

Please help Daniel in his endeavor to purchase as many tablets as he can so that autistic children can find their voice.