As the name implies, ACTION FOR AUTISM is dedicated to helping children…and the families of children…affected by autism to assist them in the attainment of available resources and thereby improve their lives. Our organization was founded based on...

MISSION
ACTION FOR AUTISM recognizes that nearly 1 in every 100 children born today will be diagnosed with autism. We view our mission as one of continually striving to work with individuals, families, and organizations to see that anyone with autism should, to the extent possible, receive therapies, resources, and support to help them attain their highest potential.

FOUNDERS
The founding family of ACTION FOR AUTISM has been directly impacted by varying levels of autism and recognizes how early diagnosis and the appropriate care, support, and resources can make a substantial difference in the lives of those affected by autism.

HELPING FAMILIES
ACTION FOR AUTISM helps families attain the care, treatment, and educational support they may not otherwise be able to receive. Funds assist with cost of schooling, physical, occupational, and speech therapies; provide care and support for children and families; help parents learn how to better support and teach their child; and also help families attain other services specific to the needs of their child.

AFA ACADEMY
As part of the growing mission of ACTION FOR AUTISM, and based on feedback from families, the additional Mission has been added of providing a unique facility…the AFA Academy…where Children on the Spectrum can learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential, all while feeling confident, safe, and secure in a positive learning environment.  The first step towards this goal was taken when AFA affiliated with Howard Park Center in August 2010.

ACTION FOR AUTISM OFFICERS & STAFF
Brad Buechler, President
Brian Buechler, Vice President-Events
Sheila Charlton, Vice President-Financial Assistance & Scholarship
Monica Combs, Vice President-Community Relations
Lisa Messmer, Vice President-Donations
Dan Messmer, Director-Third Party Events

ACTION FOR AUTISM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Judge Glenn Norton (Chairman), Missouri Court of Appeals
Dr. Mel Anderson, Anheuser Busch Agriculture, Retired
Patrick Barrett, Biomedical Systems Corporation
Alan Berardi, McCarthy Building Companies
Mike Crews, Peabody Energy

Cynthia Heath, Emerson
Harold John, John & Powers, Inc.
Mikki Jones, A True Spa
Denise LeGrand, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
Marla Maloney, Cassidy Turley
Jim Monafo, Husch Blackwell
William Scheffel, Centene Corporation
Ed Scholl, Eagle Bank and Trust
Maneet Singh, Emerson
John Teepe, PRORehab, p.c.
Dr. Christine Thayer, Thayer Clinical Psychology
Larry Thayer, PortaFab Corporation
Rich Waigand, SFW Partners, LLC
Curt Zamec, Spara Group

HOWARD PARK CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
Dawn Casey
Namita Paranjothi
Marnie Parr
Jessica Pupillo
Jen Walton
Marla Wild
Michelle Wright