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FAP founder Brita Darany von Regensburg's daughter Vanessa was born with classic autism. When Vanessa became an adult in the eyes of the law, she transferred from Benhaven School for Autistic Children to a group home in her hometown. Because there was no staff that was autism-trained, she was treated with severe lack of respect and finally discharged to a state institution.

That was when Brita found there were no legally mandated autism-specific services, programs or supports available for Vanessa. "It was as if Vanessa's life no longer existed," Brita said.

Her experiences caring for Vanessa as an adult left Brita determined that no one else should go through the desperation and struggle alone. She formed FAP in 1997 with a commitment to help families navigate the system, and advocate for and intervene on behalf of their children with autism.

That was when Brita found there were no legally mandated autism-specific services, programs or supports available for Vanessa. "It was as if Vanessa's life no longer existed," Brita said.

Her experiences caring for Vanessa as an adult left Brita determined that no one else should go through the struggle alone. She formed FAP in 1997 with a commitment to helping families navigate the system, and advocate for and intervene on behalf of their children with autism.