20d / 30d timer question

Stupid question cause I don't ever use this, Is there away to get the autofocus to work when on the timer mode? I tried and it doesn't af before the shutter goes off, does it need to be in a function to use af during timer?

Most people want it the other way. So that you can focus set the timer and then get in the photo. The easiest solution would be to get a wireless remote so you can do the half press before shooting remotely

I don't use the timer on my 20D but when you use the timer isn't it activated by pushing the shutter? If that's the case, you half-press to get focus and exposure, full-press to activate timer.

If I want to take some self portraits I need it to auto focus before going off....so I guess this can't be done?

Put a mop or something else vaguely human shaped where you are going to be. Focus on that, hit the button and replace mop with self.