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.

	FREE Baseball Tickets for POAC Members! Join POAC for Autism Awareness Night at Lakewood BlueClaws on Saturday, July 26th. Doors open at 6:00 pm and autism events begin at 6:30. Please be advised that all free and discounted tickets have been distributed. Over 400 members and their families will be attending at no cost. To obtain tickets, please contact the Lakewood BlueClaws directly. Be sure to wear your POAC hats and tee shirts.
	Autism Shield Coming To Essex County Click here for more information. Autism Shield training for law enforcement and emergency services providers is coming to Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove, NJ. There will be two sessions to chose from for police and first responders and one evening session for parents, teachers and other caregivers. Registration is required and you can download a form and mail or fax it to the POAC office. Just click on training above.
	Dessert Theater Event to Benefit POAC Click Here for More Information Please join the Monmouth Legal Secretaries Association on Friday, August 8, 2008, for a great evening of Dessert Theater. The First Avenue Playhouse will present Joe Simonelli´s production of "Men Are Dogs." Tickets are $20.00 and include show, dessert, coffee, or soft drinks. Refreshments are servied at 8:00 with an 8:30 curtain time. All proceeds to benefit POAC. Contact Linda Hanley for more information at 732-636-8000 x 5809 or 732-763-5641.
	Resource Fair For the Autism Community Join POAC and many other organizations on Saturday, July 19, 2008 for a resource fair and family fun day. Get information about resources in your area and enjoy a DJ, Clown, Magic & Face Painting. For more information call 732-525-1930 or 732-887-0194 or email autismcc@monmouth.com.
	POAC´s Autism Musical A Huge Success! click here for more information and to hear music from the show. Day After Day had a very successful run from February through April. If you missed it, we are working on a DVD of the production and plan to have it available soon.

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