PCDI, founded in 1970, is a private, non-profit program offering a broad spectrum of behavior analytic services to children, youths, and adults with autism. The institute not only provides quality treatment, education, and professional training and mentoring in New Jersey, but through its research, has pioneered comprehensive intervention models that are used nationally and internationally for the benefit of individuals with autism. These programs teach young children to talk, play with siblings and friends, and read and write.

Adolescents continue academic and work-study programs while learning to participate in their homes and communities. Adults perfect skills that allow them to maintain jobs and achieve greater levels of independence. Because autism knows no national or cultural boundaries, PCDI shares its pioneering programs, technology, and research with professionals in the US and abroad so that autism is not a barrier to a life of learning and happiness.

PCDI was founded by Peggy W. Pulleyn and Pamela Machold, grandmother and mother of a young boy with autism. When they were unable to locate appropriate, non-institutional services in New Jersey, they launched a national search that culminated in the selection of a science-based intervention model-applied behavior analysis.

PCDI was the first community-based program in the state specifically designed to provide intervention and education for children and adults with autism. Over the years, PCDI has grown to meet the needs of the growing autism community; our programs now include early intervention, preschool, a K-12 school, an adult life skills program, and community-based residential programs.