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.

	TGI Fridays Helps Raise Money for POAC Autism Services It’s that time of year again. TGI Fridays is holding their Annual Bartenders Championships and all proceeds from these really fun events will go to POAC to help us continue to provide quality training and services to everyone in the autism community. Come out to Fridays to see bartenders from across the state as they show off their skills. Cheer for your favorite and bid on some great prizes as you enjoy all the food and fun Fridays is famous for. Come on out and bring your friends too. It’s great fun for a great cause. See you in the splash zone! Manahawkin Fridays, Monday, August 25th 8:00 pm Brick Fridays, Wednesday, August 27th 6:00 pm Toms River Fridays, Wednesday, September 17th 7:00 pm
	Autism Shield Coming To Essex and Monmouth Counties 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 and to the Monmouth County Police Academy in Freehold, NJ. There will be two sessions to chose from for police and first responders at each location and one evening session for parents, teachers and other caregivers at each location. Registration is required and you can download a form and mail or fax it to the POAC office. Just click on training above. Training in Freehold will be held on September 22 and in Cedar Grove on September 23.
	Pony Up For POAC Click Here For Registration Information The Monmouth Legal Secretaries Association (MLSA) is hosting a Day at the Races on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Monmouth Park. Gates open 11:30 am, first race 12:50 pm. The tickets are in and the deadline for purchasing tickets is August 22nd. Cost is $38 a person including admission, program, unlimited burgers, bbq ribs, sausage sandwiches, corn on the cob, baked beans, salads, watermelon, beer, soda and more. Please note that tickets for children under 12 are half price ($19.00). Children under 4 are free. Reservations are necessary. Click above for more information.
	BlueClaws to host Movies at the Mound Tickets on sale now for event on August 30 LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The Lakewood BlueClaws are always aiming for family fun and they are proud to announce their participation in the first-ever Movies at the Mound at FirstEnergy Park in association with Shore Flicks and 94.3 The Point. Fans will have a chance to view Shrek on a big screen set up on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Saturday, August 30 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available now and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Parents of Autistic Children (POAC). Purchase tickets at the FirstEnergy Park ticket office. Pre-sale tickets are $5. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $7 and children two and under are free. There is also a family five-pack available for $20 either in pre-sale or the day of the event. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
	Scrap The Day Away A Scrapbooking Fundraiser Click here for registration and more information! Join hosts Wendy Griggs and Lisa Valentin on Sunday, September 21, 2008 10AM - 6PM at the Knights of Columbus, Cedar Bridge Road, Brick, NJ. "Crop For POAC" is a great way to raise money for children with autism and their families. Cost is $40 and includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, coffee & tea. Click above for registration.

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