In 2009 NWAF created The Autism Forum. The Autism Forum is a think tank designed to bring experts in many fields together to assess the current state of knowledge and to determine the most promising directions for treatment and research. The Autism Forum supports high-quality, independent research designed to address four primary goals:
- identify and develop effective medical and behavioral treatments for individuals with ASD;
- provide mechanisms for disseminating this treatment information to individuals with ASD and their families, to professionals serving individuals and families impacted by ASD, and to the general public;
- assist in the development of community-based programs that help and support those affected by ASD; and
- influence the development of policy that facilitates treatment, research, and funding for ASD identification, evaluation, and intervention.
Autism Forum Board of Directors:
- John DeHoney, Executive Director
- David Cheveallier, Founding Board Member
- Gleason Eakin, Founding Board Member
- David Humphrey, Founding Board Member
In addition to serving as a Board Member of NWAF, John has served as Autism Forum’s Executive Director since its inception. Previously, he served as the President and Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Network. Prior to entering the non-profit world, John had a successful career as a real estate investment manager; he also worked in the public sector in California.
David is a seasoned executive professional with 27 years expertise in the non-profit world. As President and CEO of Easter Seals Oregon, David is directly responsible the national affiliate’s overall financial performance and the supervision of the affiliate’s staff, which numbers over 100 employees. Prior to his tenure at Easter Seals, David spent a decade working with Volunteers of America, first as President and CEO of the organization’s Texas affiliate, and then as the organization’s Vice President of the Western region. David maintains numerous professional affiliations – with the American Management Association, the International Community Correctional Association, and the American Fundraising Professionals, to name a few – and regularly commits his time to the pursuit of continuing education and specialized training; he has received certifications from Henry Ross’s Fundraising School, Earl Conway’s Continuous Improvement Implementation, and the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership. Additionally, David is an active community member. He serves as a Charter Board Member of Hands on Portland, a Founding Member of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and a member of the National Board of Directors of Volunteers of America. David has an MBA from Tulane University.
Gleason is a founder of NWAF, and former Board Member. He worked in public school for over four decades; first as a teacher/counselor/coach for grades K-12, and then as the Dean of Student Development at Mt. Hood Community College. In addition to his service as a professional educator, Gleason is a successful entrepreneur. He has founded and served on the boards of numerous local Oregon businesses. Gleason was recently appointed by Oregon’s Governor to serve on the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
David is the owner of Kirkman Laboratories, a vitamin and supplement company which was a pioneer in serving the autism community, located in Lake Oswego. He serves on the boards of Autism Forum and the Autism Research Institute, and is a former board member of the Autism Society of America. David is a co-founder of the Autism Treatment Network, and the President of the Autism Coalition for Treatment.
