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(Editor\u2019s Note:\u00a0 POAC is a local organization which does so much for autistic people throughout New Jersey, from trainings of educators and police officers to fun activities for families which are always free.\u00a0 Below is a piece I wrote about POAC last year.\u00a0 I\u2019m posting it today because one of their many annual walks is this Saturday, April 23rd<\/sup>, at First Energy Park\/Blue Claws Stadium in Lakewood.\u00a0 Registration is at 11:00, the walk begins at noon. For more information please go to www.poac.net<\/a>.\u00a0 We would love to see you there, it\u2019s not too late to sign up!)<\/em><\/p>\n I love POAC (Parents of Autistic Children, Brick NJ.)<\/p>\n I\u2019ll have you know that for me to say I love something is a big deal, as I usually reserve such a glowing pronouncement for my family, wine, chocolate or Game of Thrones (yes, I\u2019m a fantasy geek.) So I don\u2019t pen these words lightly, and I\u2019d like to tell you why.<\/p>\n For the past twelve years I\u2019ve been wrestling with, learning from, and as much as possible embracing autism due to my boys\u2019 diagnoses, and I\u2019ve turned to many different individuals and organizations for help. I\u2019ve been fortunate to receive excellent medical care through Autism Speaks, names of autism providers through Autism New Jersey, and other helpful hints and tips through a number of other organizations. I am grateful for all they\u2019ve collectively done for my family.<\/p>\n But my heart remains with POAC.<\/p>\n In part it\u2019s because I have a soft spot for the underdog, as this wonderful organization is funded solely by private donations. In part it\u2019s because it\u2019s local, and I\u2019ve had the pleasure of getting to know its head honchos, who have been personally helpful to me in the past. If I\u2019m honest though, there\u2019s one main reason I remain faithful (and it\u2019s not just the fabulous food they often have at events.)<\/p>\n It\u2019s that they provide wonderful recreational outings for our families all year long, safe havens where anything goes and autistic children and their families can just be themselves.<\/p>\n Over the past nine years since we relocated to New Jersey I have attended numerous and excellent free workshops about autism that POAC has offered to the public. POAC has also provided my children with opportunities to surf, ride horses, go to Twisters, attend FunTime America, participate in elaborate carnivals at Georgian Court, and a myriad of other fun (and always free!) activities. There have been prolonged periods where it was almost impossible to get my severely autistic child, Justin, out of the house, and yet for the majority of the last few years we were able to attend these events, and at almost every one of them he had fun.<\/p>\n And truly, at the end of the day it should be about what he thinks is fun, not what I think should be fun for him.<\/p>\n POAC is having their annual Lakewood BlueClaws walk-a-thon on Saturday, April 23rd at 11:00 at First Energy Park in Lakewood, and I\u2019m writing today to ask you to attend, or contribute, or both. The event is filled with autism-related vendors, a playground, food, and activities, and culminates in a powerful walk around the stadium, which moves me every single year.<\/p>\n We\u2019re a community often divided. It is amazing to see such solidarity and support come together.<\/p>\n I\u2019m including the link to POAC\u2019s website below. I\u2019ll be there on the 23rd with Zachary, who will be there not only walking for himself, but to support his older brother. I\u2019ll be the short blond desperately trying to keep up with the super-fast nine-year-old (and failing miserably.)<\/p>\n Hope to see you there, and thank-you for reading!<\/p>\n