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Our History

caring-friends

From one family's determination to one of Pennsylvania's most respected autism organizations. 25+ years of impact.

1997 - First Public ABA Program

AJF initiates the opening of Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22's first public ABA program for elementary-aged students with autism.

1997 - First Golf 4 Autism

AJF hosts its inaugural Golf 4 Autism fundraising event — a tradition that continues to this day.

1998 - Council Rock ABA Program

AJF assists the Council Rock School District in pioneering its first public ABA program for elementary-aged students with autism.

1998 - First Casino Night

AJF hosts its first Casino Night fundraiser, another event that would become an annual tradition.

2000 - LC Opens Its Doors

AJF opens The Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC), one of Pennsylvania's first licensed private schools for children with autism. Located at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School in Holland, PA, CLC begins with just 3 students and an Elementary School Program serving ages 6–14.

2002 - First ABA Conference

AJF hosts a two-day conference at Bucks County Community College to educate parents and professionals on evidenced-based ABA techniques for promoting independence in individuals with autism.

2003 - CLC Moves to Southampton

With AJF's support, CLC moves to a larger facility in Southampton, PA, enabling more opportunities for students and room for growth.

2003 - First Annual Drive

AJF launches its Annual Drive Campaign, now one of the foundation's most important fundraising efforts each year.

2004 - Pre-School & Secondary Programs

CLC expands significantly with the opening of its Pre-School Program (ages 3–5) and, later that year, its Secondary School Program (ages 15–21).

2005 - First Texas Hold'em Tournament

AJF hosts its inaugural Texas Hold'em Tournament, adding another fan-favorite event to its fundraising lineup.

2008 - First Ride 4 Autism

AJF hosts its first AJF Ride 4 Autism event, which would grow into one of the foundation's signature annual fundraisers.

2009 - CLC Expands in Southampton

CLC receives a 6,000 sq. ft. addition including a gym, conference room, training areas, and space for a future adult program.

2011 - First Graduation Ceremony

CLC holds its first graduation. The oldest student receives a high school diploma and goes on to work full-time in the community, a direct result of CLC's vocational training.

2015 - Adult Life Skills Program

CLC opens its Adult Life Skills Program, serving students who have aged out of the Education Program (18 and older).

2018 - New Home in Warminster

CLC moves from its 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Southampton to a new 21,700 sq. ft. building in Warminster, PA, providing ample space for all four programs.

2020 - 20 Years of CLC

AJF and CLC celebrate two decades of serving the autism community, and the thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been changed.

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