PAFN Cars & Coffee: Fostering Meaningfully Inclusive Community Connections

For Maryn and Jon Wallace, parents of a vibrant six-year-old autistic son, library trips aren’t about the latest kids’ book—they’re about grabbing the newest issue of Car & Driver magazine.

“Even before Theo could speak, he was telling us loud and clear that he was obsessed with cars. Whether pulling us toward a parked vehicle that caught his eye or pointing out details we would’ve otherwise missed, he was always noticing, always communicating in his own way,” Maryn said.

When Theo started speaking around age four, it confirmed what his behavior had already shown—he loved cars. He would learn the make, model, and year of cars he saw and share the details enthusiastically, especially with his dad.

Cars weren’t just an interest, they were a gateway to connection, joy, and self-expression.  

“It’s like cars gave us a shared language,” Jon said. “I’ve always been into them, but now it’s different. Now it’s about connection, about understanding how his mind works and what brings him joy.”

Inspired by Theo’s enthusiasm and their desire to connect with others like him, the Wallace’s are working alongside the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) to organize a special Cars & Coffee event. This event blends together Theo’s love for car culture with an important cause: supporting programs for individuals with autism and their families.

This inclusive event invites families, gearheads, collectors, and community members to come together, swap stories, admire beautiful rides, and raise funds to help PAFN continue its essential work. As more than just a car meet, it's an opportunity to build community and create safe, welcoming spaces where autistic individuals and their families feel seen and valued.

“We want families like ours to feel like they belong,” Maryn shared. “It’s not about fitting in, it’s about being celebrated for exactly who you are.”

Guests will enjoy coffee and treats from Paper Planes Café, a PAFN café with a mission to train neurodiverse community members and find them meaningful paid employment.  

Join us rain or shine on Sunday, June 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Pacific Autism Family Network, 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, B.C.

If you plan on attending, please register using this link: bit.ly/4dcEBxK

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