Pathfinders for Autism was founded in 2000 by a group of parents of children with autism to support and develop lifespan services, raise funds for autism research, and provide information and resources for families of children with autism.

In 2003, Pathfinders opened the Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center, offering knowledgeable, caring staff to take calls, answer questions and point families with autism toward the information they need. The Resource Center includes a website, www.pathfindersforautism.org, with a searchable database to help families locate a broad range of services throughout Maryland.