Chances are, you know someone with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological medical condition that affects social communication and behavior. Ten years ago autism was diagnosed 1 out of 10,000 children
and considered to be a rare disorder. In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control released the most comprehensive data in history on the prevalence of autism in the United States. Today, autism is diagnosed 1 out of 150 children–a growing epidemic with no cure. Further research finds the staggering numbers in New Jersey alone to be as low as 1 in every 94 children. Autism is a National Crisis, affecting over 1 million Americans and costing the country over $90 billion a year. Never before has autism affected so many people so quickly!
Every day, 50 new families face a diagnosis of autism. One in every four American families has a loved one living with autism. The diagnosis rate is growing at an alarming 10 to 17 percent each and every year in America.
There are many national and local organizations focused on autism research, but almost none dealing with teaching and reaching children already affected by this disorder. The needs of children with autism are often not met in a traditional special education environment, and parents are unprepared to deal with the daily challenges of having a child with autism. POAC (Parents Of Autistic Children) was formed to help address these needs.
Founded in 1999, POAC's mission is to provide scientifically-based training to parents, teachers, and related personnel who provide direct services to children with Autism. In order to fulfill its mission, POAC offers targeted and sustained training to parents, professionals and paraprofessionals. This training focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the only research-based treatment recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General for children with autism, and specifically B.F. Skinners analysis of Verbal Behavior (VB).
Since its inception, POAC has provided training for thousands of people throughout New Jersey , across the country, and in Europe and South America . To date, thousands of parents, teachers, and other service providers have been trained, the majority at no cost to participants. Many have attended the Five Part Training series, offered free to parents and POAC members. In addition, POAC has reached out to colleges and universities and provided course work to students studying to be special education teachers. This organization has also provided training to law enforcement professionals, emergency services providers, and other members of the general community who come in contact with children with autism every day.
Online Now!
