In its first year, Pathfinders and the Orioles Wives co-sponsored a fund raising event which generated a substantial portion of $150,000 raised to support critical interim funding of research on the early detection of autism by Dr. Rebecca Landa at Kennedy Krieger Institute. That research was an important element in the grant application that led to Dr. Landa and others being awarded a $7.7 million Federal STAART Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment grant to establish one of eight research centers in the country focused on autism.

In the following year, Pathfinders began annually funding programs for individuals seeking internships and fellowships in the area of autism.

After 18 months of development, Pathfinders for Autism launched the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center – offering a knowledgeable staff person and searchable online database to help families in Maryland find critical service providers quickly and efficiently. To-date, we have served thousands of visitors to our website and over 2,100 individuals directly through email or telephone contact.

In 2004, Pathfinders was awarded the 2004 Public Awareness Award from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities for a campaign which consisted of public service announcements on cable and network TV and radio. Ads featured William “B.J.” Surhoff, retired Baltimore Oriole; Cal Ripken, Jr., retired, Baltimore Oriole; and Michael Phelps, Olympic Champion.

In November 2004, Pathfinders made a presentation in Annapolis to the House of Delegates’ Committee on Health and Governmental Affairs, chaired by Delegate John Hurson of Montgomery County. The purpose of this hearing was to raise awareness of autism in the Maryland state legislature. The presentation resulted in the introduction of HB579/SB834 to improve autism screening practices in Maryland. On May 10, 2005, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. signed into law this first-in-the-nation legislation authorizing a three-year pilot program to train 30 pediatricians in the early detection of autism.

In 2005, Pathfinders hired Dawn Koplos to be its Executive Director.  Dawn brings nearly 20 years experience of nonprofit management, grant writing, fund development and program development. In Fall of 2005, with grants from the Herbert Bearman Foundation (which also provided a significant grant to launch the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center) and Verizon Foundation Pathfinders unveiled a newly designed website with an integrated, searchable database, articles, links and information to help families coping with autism. Pathfinders licensed the use of this software (free of charge) to the Autism Project of Palm beach County to help families seeking autism information in south Florida.

In October 2005, Pathfinders for Autism partnered with Cure Autism Now (CAN) to raise money for autism awareness and research. B.J. and Polly Surhoff chaired an impressive honorary committee that included national celebrities and local dignitaries. This event raised over $500,000.

In April 2006, for National Autism Awareness Month, Pathfinders led a coalition of local chapters of the Autism Society of America and other parent support groups to create and disseminate print ads focusing on the “Early Detection” of autism. The campaign also featured a public service announcement which aired on local television and cable stations reaching hundreds of thousands of Maryland residents.

In May 2006, Pathfinders hosted “Imagine the Possibilities – Autism Day” expanding Caring Communities’ World of Possibilities Disabilities Expo to a three-day event featuring nationally recognized speakers on autism and hundreds of exhibitors. 

In January 2007, Pathfinders launched a new strategic emphasis on “Training & Education” which features partnerships with the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Special Education, Division of Rehabilitative Services, the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians, local parent support groups, and community service providers. Rebecca Rienzi was hired as Pathfinders for Autism's Director of Outreach and Community Partnerships to implement this vision by seeking out and disseminating best practices and training on a range of lifespan issues – from improved developmental screening techniques for pediatricians, to training front-line therapists and early childhood educators in early intervention techniques, to training those who assist individuals with autism in transitioning from high school to employment.

In September 2008, Pathfinders for Autism moved into new office space which allows us to offer appointments for private consultations with our Resource Center staff and use of our Resource Center Library. The Center also offers a playroom for children while parents or caregivers are visiting our Center.

October 25, 2008, Pathfinders held "An Evening of Celebrity Fashion & Fun" sponsored by Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln Mercury and hosted by the Geppi Entertainment Museum. This exciting event featured B.J. & Polly Surhoff, Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Brian Roberts, and many more local celebrities - joining together to raise over $119,000 for our programs.

Also in October 2008, Pathfinders for Autism and the American Academy of Pediatrics Maryland Chapter hosted the first of many Developmental Screening Trainings. This project trains pediatricians and other health care professionals in the use of standardized tools to improve developmental screening, ensuring the earlier identification of children with delays and better access to intervention services.

Today, Pathfinders looks forward to expanding the reach of our programs and working with our partners to improve the lives of individuals with autism, their family members and those who care for them. Please see our Calendar of Events for information on training opportunities as well as special events where you can support these efforts.