About Us:
The Eastern Iowa Autism society of America is a non-profit organization. The
ECI-ASA is committed to getting autism information into the hands of those
who need it most. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of
Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling
rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, it is estimated that the
prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. The
goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum
disorders.
Autism Awareness does research into the causes and, prevention,
treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism
and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bring hope to
all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
ECI-ASA aims to bring the
autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government to
listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent health crisis.
Board Members
Cindy Dircks-President
Cindy and her husband Randy have a son, Dallas who is 10 years old and attends Jackson Elementary in Cedar Rapids. Cindy has recently taken over the role of President. Cindy and Randy currently implement several biomedical treatments with Dallas including diet modification, supplements, and chiropractic care. Cindy and Randy are also working with Dr James Neubrander and looking forward to starting neurofeedback and possibly byperbaric oxygen treatments.
“After seeing some great strides with Dallas by simply using healthy alternatives, it is my wish to make as many treatments like this available to Iowans. My goal is this role is to bring as many options and educational opportunities as possible to parents in the area. There is Hope!”
Sheri Grawe-Vice President
"I live with my husband Glenn in Marion Iowa. We have adopted and are raising our grandson JD who is nine years old. JD is Autistic and has OCD, ODD, ADHD, Anxiety disorder, and a eating disorder. We have three grown children and three other granddaughters, Caitlynn, Ciara, and Cayleigh. Helping children is a passion of mine. I work with children in need in the Marion school district. I have also started a grandparent group for grandparents raising grandchildren. I have served on the Iowa Foster Care Board for eight years as Chairperson of that board. I am Vice President of the local Autism chapter. I have been co-chair of the Autism Walk to raise money for Autism Awareness. We have also had a benefit motorcycle ride and family fun events.
My passion is to help children and families in need. We can make a difference doing what we love for our own children, and spreading that love and passion to other families. "
Dana Martin-Secretary
Dana and her husband Charley live in Tipton, IA. They have 5 children Brittany, Brandyn, Bryanna, Brady and Blayke. Blayke has Autism with Mild MR.
Dana Works as a sub in the Tipton Community School district, and stays active in her children's education, and volunteers her time.
Dana has been a member of the East Central Iowa Autism Society, for the past 1 1/2 years... and is very active in the chapter. She has Co-Chaired our Autism walks and has helped with other benefits such as the benefit bike ride. wing eating contest, Bowling for Autism and many others.
Dana will be going to her first Autism conference in Dec of 2009... and will be going to many more in the future. Not only does she want to educate herself, but help spread autism awareness.
“Let your love for your child guide you, be your child's advocate and his voice.” “When you meet one child with autism you meet one child with autism.”
Mark Hartung-Treasurer
Mark has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Math/Computer Science. He has designed and programmed finance and payroll systems for 27 years. Mark is currently employed by Grant Wood AEA.
Mark has been Treasurer of The Arc of east Central Iowa. He is currently Treasurer of the east Central Iowa Autism Society.
Mark and his wife Sue, have a daughter Mandi. She lives in Iowa City in a home supervised by Reach for Your Potential. Mandi works at Employment Systems in Iowa City.
”I was Treasurer at The Arc when they were renting office space to buying their first building. I have found the same level of excitement and enthusiasm with the East Central Iowa Autism Society”.
Meetings:
Upcoming meetings November 24, January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27 and May 25
|
