Mission

To enhance the lives of people impacted by autism, through innovation, exceptional education, and compassionate care.

Vision

A world in which people of all abilities live fulfilled lives.

Our Story

PACE was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned parents, community leaders, and educators as a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization to meet the critical need of providing education and care for children and adults with autism/developmental disabilities and their families. At a time when understanding and resources for autism were limited, they envisioned a program that would accommodate the unique needs of each child, fostering their potential in a supportive and nurturing environment. Before PACE, autistic students had been placed in inappropriate classroom settings, and many of our residential clients were housed in unsuitable state hospitals and development centers. Without the support of an encouraging, attentive environment, the ability to develop the skills necessary for achieving integration into the community was doubtful.

PACE was born after years of futile attempts to work within the traditional system to meet the specialized needs of persons with autism. With a small team of dedicated educators and specialists, PACE started with two residential group homes and 14 students. With each passing year, we saw the profound impact that individualized attention, specialized teaching, and compassionate care could have on our students and clients’ lives. As the prevalence of autism grew, so did the demand for services. PACE responded by expanding its programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the autism community. Our initial focus on education and residential services grew to include early childhood and early intervention services, offering a nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive.

Today, we proudly serve the Bay Area as one of its leading autism agencies. We offer comprehensive education services across two school campuses, residential services, early childhood programs, specialized behavioral support, and a free online e-learning resource for parents and caregivers, Porchlight Autism Education Series.