20+
Years of Service
7
Counties Served
500+
Families Supported Annually
1,000+
Programs & Events per Year
2025 Year in Review
A look at how PALS made an impact this year
Program Satisfaction Highlights
What parents and caregivers report about PALS programs
Social Skill Building Outcomes
Parent/caregiver reported outcomes by program and skill
What Families Say — PALS Programs
Real stories from families impacted by PALS skill-building programs
"
PALS… showed typical peers how to include my child, not just tolerate him. They gave other parents language to understand his differences without judging them. For the first time, I saw Scott not only accepted in a program, but also better understood in the community around him.
Parent
"
Thank you so much for giving our child this opportunity to learn and grow. We truly appreciate your patience, support, and the care you put into helping him succeed.
Liz
Parent of Eight-12 Participant
"
My son’s been in this program for a few years and he loves it. I can say that this program helps my son to mature in a positive way and also be with teens just like him. Thank you for this opportunity.
Debbie
Parent of TAG Participant
"
Facilitators are beyond AMAZING! Very kind, caring, and show genuine interest in our students. Thank you so much for these wonderful programs.
Julia
Parent of Level Up Participant
"
Last night Sydney went to one of the culinary classes in Sanford that PALS offers. I was nervous for her because she is anxious in new situations and I knew she was nervous. She had a fantastic time!! She said the staff were so kind to her and she felt like she could be more herself. Hearing this and seeing the huge grin she had on her face after class brings tears to my eyes because I don’t know that she has ever really felt accepted outside our family. I am so grateful for these programs, and we are looking forward to her joining more.
Joelle
Parent of Culinary Class Participant
"
Because of PALS, our 14-year-old son had his first birthday party with friends. TAG has given him friends who understand him and us a needed community of fellow parents on the same journey.
Isabella
Parent of TAG Participant
What Families Say — PALS Social Events
Feedback from families who attend PALS social events and community gatherings
"
What we love about PALS is being around other special needs families and not feeling judged.
Greg
Parent of a 5-year-old with ASD
"
There are no words to express all the gratitude for such a blessed opportunity offered by PALS. It was a fun, memorable day. All our kids had such an amazing time, and the parents had an opportunity to relax and enjoy the gathering.
Gina
Parent of teen with ASD
"
Because of Safety Day they said they better understood what ASD looks like and how they would need to adjust their behavior in the event of a future interaction.
Colleen Grillo
UCF-CARD Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist
Help Us Grow Our Impact
Your support helps us reach more families across Central Florida.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the autism community across Central Florida since 2002. EIN: 01-0717788
Counties Served
- Brevard County
- Lake County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Seminole County
- Sumter County
- Volusia County
Contact
- info@pals-ucfcard.org
- (407) 823-6020
- PO Box 781458
Orlando, FL 32878-1458 - Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Support Our Mission
Your tax-deductible donation helps provide vital programs for individuals with autism and their families across Central Florida.
PALS partners with UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism.
PALS charitable organization registration number is CH19560. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
© 2026 PALS – Providing Autism Links & Support. All rights reserved.