Contact
12424 Research Parkway
Ste. 365
Orlando, FL 32826
Telephone: +1 407 823 6020
E-mail: info@flpals.org
E-mail: accounts@flpals.org
PALS VISION
PALS seeks to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders in Central Florida by fostering personal development, community integration, and expansion of opportunity.
PALS MISSION
PALS exists to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Central Florida by fostering personal development, community inclusivity, and equitable opportunities through collaboration with community organizations.
Skill-Building Programs
PALS Skill-Building Programs are multi-week classes with engaging, accessible curriculum developed for ASD students. Programs focus on essential social skills, life skills, and emotional development. Each course is tailored to specific age ranges and ability levels to achieve targeted outcomes leading to greater independence.
Social Skills Enhancement Programs
Multi-week structured programs that build social communication, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and independence.
EIGHT-12 (AGES 8–12)
Focus on flexible thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and increasing social skills to support conversation and express feelings.
Key areas include:
Identifying and regulating emotions, regulating behavior, perspective-taking, dealing with bullying and peer pressure, teamwork and compromise, and basic self-management.
TAG: Teen Autism Group (Ages 13–17)
Expands participants’ abilities to manage emotions, navigate social interactions, and increase independence.
Key areas include:
Emotional regulation strategies, building confidence and self-esteem, conversational skills for different relationships, basic theory of mind, self-advocacy, and self-management such as goal setting and time management.
Level Up (Ages 18–24)
Designed for young adults in their final years of high school or recent graduates. Focuses on life readiness and independence.
Key areas include:
Emotional and behavioral regulation, applying conversational skills in appropriate contexts, advanced theory of mind, dating and relationships, and skills needed for adult independence.
LIFE SKILL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS
Short seasonal mini-series (2–4 weeks) for teens and adults, focused on independence and everyday functioning.
Cooking
Mini-Series
Learn to prepare healthy meals, plus kitchen and food safety.
Financial Literacy
Mini-Series
Covers personal finance basics, budgeting, and money management.
Travel & Transportation
Mini-Series
Build navigation and travel confidence to reduce dependence on parent transportation.
SOCIAL EVENTS
PALS Social Events provide families and individuals with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and practice social skills in inclusive, supportive environments.
FAMILY EVENTS
Designed for families living with an autistic member to connect with others, share resources, and enjoy facilitated community events.
- Family Picnic
Annual day of fun, games, crafts, and picnic fare.
- Safety Day
Hands-on safety activities and demonstrations with local first responders.
- Festival of Holidays
A series of small sensory-friendly holiday celebrations across Central Florida.
SOCIAL OUTINGS
Stand-alone, age-specific events designed to foster friendships, communication, and emotional regulation in natural environments. PALS facilitators provide support; families pay venue costs if required.
AEIO&U
Parent-child play-based events to increase communication, turn-taking, sharing, and social skills.
U13
Community outings like laser tag, pottery, mini-golf, or hobby-based gatherings (Lego, board games, Pokémon Go). Virtual meetups are also available.
Program Criteria: toilet trained, have a communication system, safe in 1:10 adult-child ratio. Parents on-call via phone; on-site presence not always required.
TeenTime
Community-based outings to practice social, communication, and self-advocacy skills.
Program Criteria: safe in 1:10 ratio, no aggression/bullying, communication system, independent toileting. Parents must be on-call by phone.
Aspire
Adult-led interest-based gatherings fostering friendships and shared recreation.
Program Criteria: over 18, independent in public (no caregivers), desire to socialize, psychologically stable (no Baker Acts in last 3 months).
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
PALS partners with local providers to make community sports and arts programs more accessible for individuals with autism. Facilitators are provided to ensure success and inclusion.
Camps
Week-long summer camps designed to foster engagement, friendships, problem-solving, and independence while having fun.
Camp 2 Can (Ages 6–25)
Autism-friendly camp with crafts, sports, swimming, games, and field trips.
Program Criteria: small group supervision with 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio. Registration and fees subsidized by fundraising.
ADVENTURES WITH AUTISM (AWA) CAMP
Week-long social recreation program for teens and adults, focused on collaboration, flexibility, and friendship-building.
Program Criteria: independent functioning in public, desire to socialize, psychologically stable (no Baker Acts in last 3 months). Registration and fees subsidized by fundraising.