701.277.8844
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Behavior Support
    • Family Support
    • Puzzle Place Preschool & Childcare
    • Community Programs
  • Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Donate

About US

NDAC historY

The North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. was founded because of one little boy. In 2002, the Smith family was blessed with an amazing little boy named, Tyler. Gene and Sandy Smith were excited to be adding to the family. Tyler was joining the troop with 2 older sisters, Darcy (Kasprowicz) and Sarah (Matthews). They all could not wait to spoil him. Excited about the opportunity attend and cheer him on at football games, baseball games, and take him hunting! He was such a wonderful addition to the family.

In 2003, Tyler got sick. He would barely drink his bottles or eat anything. Sandy took him to the doctor and was told to continue pushing fluids. He had a virus that lasted for 12 days. Finally, he started to perk up, but what came next would change the lives of this family forever.

Tyler forgot how to walk and talk. He would not respond to his name or any other direction. He also stopped looking at people. Sandy feared that Tyler had lost his hearing. After a few appointments with the audiologist, it was determined that he could hear and was recommended to Speech therapy.

During this time, Sandy had also started to do her research about what was going on with Tyler. She came across many articles that seemed similar to the things Tyler was doing. Things such as obsessively stacking or lining up items, fixation of objects, sensory issues, no longer using words, repetitive behaviors and not meeting age appropriate milestones. Sandy brought up her findings to Tyler’s pediatrician. At the time, the doctor dismissed Sandy’s concerns.

Tyler continued with Speech therapy. At the end of a session, the therapist told Sandy she should get Tyler evaluated at the Developmental Clinic. Sandy scheduled an appointment right away.

In February 2004, Tyler was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which was on the Autism Spectrum.

Finally, Tyler’s family had a starting point.     Autism. 

It was recommended that Tyler receive 40 hours of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy. Sandy started her search to find a therapist in the area. Unfortunately, she soon found out the closest center-based therapy was 5 hours away. At this time Sandy worked for Microsoft. She had this amazing autism benefit, but wasn’t able to use it. It took some time and precious time was ticking away. Eventually, Sandy found and individual to do therapy for her son. 

As Tyler began this intensive early intervention therapy, his sister, Darcy, was taking him back and forth to his sessions between classes at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Darcy was on track to graduate soon and start her career. The Smiths had to come up with options on how to keep Tyler’s progress going and how they were going to get him back and forth to all of his therapies. Darcy made the decision to put her career on hold to take care of Tyler. In December of 2004, Darcy opened an in-home daycare that would allow therapists in and out of her home to help the children she cared for. Seeing the need to help children with extra needs, Sandy and Darcy made the decision to start the process of creating a place for these amazing kids. In 2006, the North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. was incorporated. In 2007, they became a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. In 2008, the families dream became a reality and the North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. opened the doors to provide services to all of the AuSome individuals that needed the support. 

What we live by...

Our

To help individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities reach their full potential through excellence in care, therapy, instruction and support.

 

Core

Compassion – We demonstrate a sincere attitude of caring for our clients by responding to them in a compassionate and professional manner. “Helping them to achieve their full potential” is our passion, not our job.

Integrity – We promote integrity through honesty and candor in conversation and conduct. We also hold to the highest ethical standards of our profession, which is reflected in our care and therapy. We consistently and openly communicate expectations, respect for individuals, and fairness in our actions. This integrity is foundational to who we are and permeates through all we do.

Teamwork – We work as a Team at all levels, recognizing, appreciating, and building on each others’ skills, creativity, and passion. As a team, we willingly make individual sacrifices for the common good, looking for and finding value in each other.

Excellence – We distinguish ourselves through superior care, therapy, and performance, consistently striving to meet and exceed the expectations of ASD clients, families, and community. We continually improve by providing resources, training and growth opportunities for the ASD community and our own team members, while encouraging innovative thinking that promotes beneficial change. 


Meet our Admin Team

Sandy Smith
Executive Director

Darcy Kasprowicz

Darcy Kasprowicz
Director of Development & Community Relations

Jess Bivens

Jessica Bivens, SHRM-CP
Director of Operations & HR

Miranda Marum

Miranda Marum
Billing Manager

Vanessa Hove

Vanessa Hove
Accountant

Kari Ward Final

Kari Ward
Accounting Assistant

Board of Directors

Eric Mauch

Rammie Olson

BA000002a

Thomas Beadle

Pic for FB Feed

Jodi Stende

Jodi Stende Head Shot 3

Amy Gibson

Doug Sharbono

Open Role

Open Role

Give To The NDAC

Donate

Your gift is secure and goes directly to the NDAC.

Get Social

Facebook
YouTube
Instagram

Our Purpose

The North Dakota Autism Center helps people and families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through excellence in care, therapy, advocacy & more.