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.

	Phillies Winter Tour Comes to Lakewood January 13th Proceeds to Benefit POAC Click Here for More Information Hey Phillies Fans - you have the chance to get your picture taken with the World Series Trophy at the Ninth Annual Phillies Winter Tour on Tuesday, January 13th at Woodlake Country Club. New BlueClaws manager Dusty Wathan will attend along with hitting coach, Greg Legg. Phillies pitcher JA Happ, who was with the BlueClaws in 2005, Phillies Assistant General Managers Chuck LaMar and Scott Proefrock, and broadcaster, and Brick native, Tom McCarthy will also be there, with possibly more to be added. The event begins with photos and cocktails from 5-7 pm. Dinner will begin promptly at 7 pm. To purchase tickets call POAC at 732-785-1099
	POAC Sponsors Recreation Events for Siblings POAC, in cooperation with PASS and the Family Support Center, will again sponsor a series of recreational events for siblings of children with disabilities. Join us at The Lanes at Sea Girt for some great bowling, dinner, friendship and fun. All events take place from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and registration is required. Please wear your PASS shirt if you have one. Be sure to mark the following dates on your calendar: December 12, 2008 February 13, 2009 April 17, 2009 June 5, 2009
	Free Training In POAC´s Brick Autism Services Center Click Here for More Information POAC is offering a fall series of training in their new Autism Services Center located at 1999 Route 88 South in Brick, NJ. The following topics will be covered: October 8, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Seizures: Recognition and Response October 22, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Special Needs Trust Funding November 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Empowering Parents to Solve Problem Behaviors at Home part 1 November 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Empowering Parents to Solve Problem Behaviors at Home part 2 November 19, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Social Skills for Children with Autism December 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Overview of Estate Planning and Guardianship Register on line by clicking on the training link above.
	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.

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