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We Are PUZZLED TOGETHER INC. 

Puzzled Together Inc is a tax-exempt organization located in Statesville, North Carolina. The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Puzzled Together Inc is 994652376. EIN is also referred to as FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) or FTIN (Federal Tax Identification Number).

The organization type for Puzzled Together Inc is Corporation and its contribution deductibility status is Contributions are deductible. Puzzled Together Inc is exempted by IRS under the category of Charitable Organization, Educational Organization, Organization to Prevent Cruelty to Children. The organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary. The latest return for the tax period was filed in December, 2024.

At Puzzled Together Inc., we believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine. Founded by Iris, a dedicated mother of five, including three autistic adults, we provide essential resources and support for families navigating the complexities of autism. Our mission is to create a nurturing community that celebrates individuality, fosters understanding, and opens doors for autistic individuals. With a focus on advocacy and empowerment, we ensure that every family feels supported, understood, and valued.

Executive DIRECTOR, Director of DANCE OPERATIONS & ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

For many years, one question kept Iris awake at night.
“What will happen to my children when I’m no longer here?”


Iris is a single mother of five children—three of whom are autistic adults. Like many families navigating autism, her journey was filled with love, resilience, and an overwhelming lack of resources.

When her children were growing up, support systems for autistic individuals were extremely limited. Many services were difficult to access, and because of late diagnoses, many of the programs that might have helped simply weren’t available to them.
Yet despite the challenges, Iris never saw her children as broken.

She saw their creativity, honesty, depth, and unique brilliance. She raised them to believe their autism was not something to hide, but something that made them beautifully different.
But when her children entered the traditional school system, the message they received often told a different story.

Instead of being encouraged to explore their strengths, they were frequently separated from their peers. Instead of being supported in their potential, they were made to feel as though they were incapable of achieving the same goals as other students their age.

Even something as fundamental as education became a barrier.
Many autistic students are not offered the opportunity to earn a traditional high school diploma. Instead, they receive a certificate of completion, which can limit their access to higher education and future opportunities.

For Iris, this was heartbreaking.

She knew her children were capable of more. So she made the courageous decision to homeschool them, determined to give them the time, encouragement, and belief they needed to continue learning and growing without the limitations placed on them by systems that didn’t fully understand them.

But as her children grew into adulthood, Iris discovered another painful reality.

The resources that were limited during childhood became almost nonexistent for autistic adults.

Programs disappeared.

Community spaces were rare.

Families often felt isolated and alone.
And the question that had been quietly living in her heart became impossible to ignore:

What will happen to my children when I’m no longer here?
Then another question followed.

How many other parents are lying awake at night asking the exact same thing?
That question became the beginning of something bigger.

Determined to create the kind of community she had spent years searching for, Iris founded Puzzled Together, an advocacy and community organization dedicated to supporting autistic adults and their families through connection, life-skills opportunities, inclusive social experiences, and respite support.

Drawing from her background in dance and community engagement through IrisMae Dance Company, Iris began creating spaces where individuals of all abilities could come together through movement, creativity, and shared experiences.

Through inclusive dance gatherings, nature-based activities, community events, and advocacy initiatives, Puzzled Together works to build something that many autistic adults have never had access to before:

A true sense of belonging.

Autistic adults remain one of the most misunderstood and underserved populations in our society. Without strong community support, many face increased risks of isolation, depression, anxiety, and even homelessness.

Iris believes that must change.

Her mission is to connect communities that may not yet understand autism with the incredible individuals who live with it every day.

Because behind every diagnosis is a human being with gifts, dreams, and the desire to be seen and valued.

Through Puzzled Together, Iris is working to build a future where autistic adults are not pushed to the margins of society, but welcomed into communities that celebrate their uniqueness.

A future where families no longer feel alone.

And a future where autistic adults can grow, connect, and live meaningful lives surrounded by people who truly see them.

At its heart, Puzzled Together is built on a simple but powerful belief:

No one should have to navigate life alone.

Together, we are stronger.

Together, we are seen.

Together, we are Puzzled Together. 🧩❤️

  • Our Programs Focus On JOY, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND BELONGING.

    Founded By A Mother Who Understands

  • Puzzled Together was created by a mother raising gchildren with autism who saw firsthand how difficult it can be for autistic adults to find welcoming social spaces after childhood programs end. 

Building Connection One Event at a Time

What began as a desire to create connection for her own family has grown into a community dedicated to ensuring no one has to navigate life alone.

Through community programs we are: 

Creating safe spaces for social connection

Supporting mental wellness through movement

Helping families build supportive networks

Encouraging confidence and self expression

   Together we are building a community where every unique mind belongs.