POAC, formed in 1999 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has a proven track record of providing services to children with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them.  While many organizations exist to find a cause and cure for this developmental disability, POAC has focused its attention and resources on how best to help the children and families who are struggling with autism today.  So much research has been done over the past 5 decades and it has yielded teaching techniques that have been proven effective with this population.  Getting this information into the hands of those who need it is one of the core goals of POAC.

We want everyone in the autism community to have an awareness and understanding of autism and how to teach and live with those affected.  To help meet this goal, POAC offers training throughout the state in a variety of formats.  We offer full day workshops, usually in cooperation with public school districts, and a 5 Part Training Series that takes place in the evening.  These are appropriate for parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other direct service providers.  We also offer training in autism recognition and response for law enforcement officials and emergency services providers through our Autism Shield project.   POAC provides training in related issues such as IEP Development, Coping Strategies, Guardianship, and other topics.  Additionally, we provide a free speakers bureau to civic and service organizations who wish to learn more about autism and the services we provide. 

POAC also provides families access to a number of different family activities including our Annual Free Family Picnic/Carnival (the largest attended autism family event in the state), movie nights, bowling, and other events just for families of children with autism.   Any scheduled events will be listed right here on the home page and in our quarterly newsletter, The Difference with a circulation of over 4000.  Almost everything offered by POAC is provided at no cost to participants. Learn More

If you know, love, or teach someone with autism, chances are that child or adult has been touched by the many services provided by POAC.  We couldn’t do this without you.  There are so many ways for you to get involved and help POAC continue serving the autism community.   Click on one of the following links to learn more:

Become a Member
Make a Gift/Donation
Walk for a Difference
Become an Event Sponsor
Become an Autism Champion
Volunteer

Help us “Make a Difference Now” for the thousands of children who need us today, for their families, and for the professionals who work tirelessly to teach them.

	POAC Sponsors Social Skills Workshop at South River Library Please join POAC at the South River Library on Monday, July 13, 2009 as we present Social Skills for Children with Autism. This workshop is appropriate for parents, teachers, and other service providers. Registration is necessary and there is no cost to attend. Click here to register.
	Saturday Theater Arts Workshop for Teens with Autism POAC and the Algonquin Arts Theater are pleased to announce a unique recreational/social opportunity for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum.  The Saturday Theater Arts Autism Workshop is designed for those with Aspergers Syndrome and/or high functioning autism to participate in a drama class experience.  For more information, call 732-785-1099 or email info@poac.net. Click here for more information.
	POAC Offers Training for School Bus Drivers and Aides POAC is now offering training for school bus drivers, aides, and support personnel. Many children with autism spend a lot of time on the bus to and from school and other programs. This training will help drivers and aides make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for these students and everyone riding the bus. Please contact the POAC office for more information or to arrange training at your location.
	Are You Receiving POAC´s Newsletter? Keep up with all POAC training and social events for children with autism and their siblings. If you do not currently receive The Difference and would like to be on our mailing list, please email your name and address to info@poac.net. We are working on developing an emailed version of the Difference. Please be sure to let us know if you would like to recieve our electronic newsletter updates.
	Visit Our New Download Section POAC now has a section right on this web site for you to download various documents. Please click on the Downloads link on the top line of this web page. We will be adding to this section periodically so please check it often. You will find all kinds of useful things here including information on Project Lifesaver and how to access it. There are data sheets, articles on ABA and so much more. Check it out today!

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