PFA is founded by a group of parents of children with autism. PFA and the Orioles Wives raise $150,000 to support early detection research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln becomes the founding corporate sponsor providing administrative and financial management.
2001
PFA initiates fundraising efforts to establish the PFA Resource Center.
2002
PFA hosts the 1st Annual Golf Tournament to support the development of the Resource Center website.
2003
PFA hires their first employee to respond to calls and email inquiries, and creates a website with a searchable database of local resources.
2004
PFA is awarded the Public Awareness Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities for a campaign featuring BJ Surhoff, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Michael Phelps.
2005
PFA is instrumental in the passage of first-in-the-nation legislation aimed at improving early detection and autism screening practices in Maryland.
2006
PFA begins their hugely popular Free Family Fun Events by partnering with local attractions, such as the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
2007
PFA launches new strategic emphasis on Training & Education which features partnerships with MSDE, the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians, local parent support groups, and community service providers.
2008
Thanks to the generosity of Merritt Properties, PFA moves into new office space allowing for the expansion of the Resource Center. PFA launches the monthly Parent Tips e-newsletter.
PFA hosts the 1st Celebrity Fashion Show featuring Brian Roberts, Jessica Long, Michael Phelps, and more.
2009
PFA is recognized by DORS for promoting best practices in assisting individuals with ASD to achieve employment and independence. PFA introduces their Brown Bag workshop series, featuring expert speakers.
The Evolution of
2010
PFA Celebrates their 10th Year Anniversary and hosts 2nd Celebrity Fashion Show featuring Qadry Ismail, Chris Hoiles, Curt Shilling, and more. PFA partners with the Michael Phelps Swim School to include Autism 101 training for swim instructors and scholarships for students.
2011
PFA launches “Autism by Age Navigation Guide” on a new user-friendly website. PFA hosts 1st Annual Run Wild For Autism 5K at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
2012
Working with a grassroots coalition, PFA helps to pass legislation to clarify health insurance coverage for the treatment of ASD. In partnership with Maryland State Police (MSP), PFA creates a First Responder training curriculum and begins training MSP Academy classes in ASD.
2013
PFA becomes a job training site for interns with autism from Forbush High School.
2014
Maryland passes training mandate requiring all law enforcement be trained on Interactions with Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). PFA successfully becomes the primary provider of this IDD training statewide which lays way for teaching Fire/EMS.
After a nearly five-year effort, PFA helps to pass regulation requiring health plans sold in Maryland to cover ASD treatment. MD is the 38th State to pass such a law.
2015
PFA hosts Friendly First Visits, allowing individuals with ASD to interact with dental care providers, touch the equipment, and become familiar with the sensory environment of a dental office without the anxiety of an exam.
2016
PFA launches “Your Next Patient Has Autism, Are Your Prepared?” training to local hospitals, medical and nursing school students, dentists, and medical office staff.
2017
PFA hosts a screening of the award-winning documentary film SWIM TEAM, followed by a Q&A with the McQuay family.
PFA hosts An evening of Orioles Magic and ASD awareness with Rob Long of 105.7 the Fan, Cal Ripken, Mike Bordick, and PFA President, BJ Surhoff.
PFA staff is recognized by the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities for our Autism Awareness Campaign “Myth Busting Autism”.
2018
PFA receives the Governor of Maryland’s Citation for our first responder training program.
2019
PFA’s First Responder and Medical Professionals training team are recognized for their contributions, receiving the Stanley S. Sidle/William Ohge, Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award and the LaVonnya Gardner Award for Autism Acceptance & Advocacy.
Nearly 2,000 fans enjoyed an energetic performance by the Grammy-Award Winning standup comedian, actor, and author, Lewis Black to benefit PFA and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - MD Chapter.
2020
The Un-gala virtual fundraiser held during the pandemic garners record breaking support from our donors and community. Adult focused Self Advocate Advisory Committee expands to offer bimonthly online social group.
2021
Dip Challenge Tour brings PFA resources back to communities after pandemic.
PFA launches Mock Traffic Stop program in partnership with law enforcement.
2022
The LaPlata, MD police unveil autism cruiser wrapped with PFA Logo.
PFA contracted by WVU to train law enforcement throughout West Virginia.
2023
PFA surpasses 20,000 individuals reached in a year.
2024
PFA goes back to their 2024 roots with the Orioles, naming Jim Palmer Honorary Chair of the 25th Anniversary Campaign.
2025
The Journey Continues...