Parents of Autistic Children of Texas (POAC TX) was formed in July 2006 to provide services to improve the lives of children and adults 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 TX has focused its attention and resources on how best to help the children and families 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. | 
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We embrace the mission and goals of our founding organization, POAC of NJ www.poac.net, by providing research based training to parents, teachers, and other direct service providers. This training focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the only scientifically-based treatment recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General for children with autism, and specifically B.F. Skinner’s analysis of Verbal Behavior (VB) when applicable. One of the tools which research has yielded is the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills also known as the ABLLS. The ABLLS is three invaluable items in one. It provides the means to assess the skills of those with developmental disabilities, identifying their gaps in knowledge and development. It is also a curriculum to help guide the instruction of those affected by autism. When combined with training and information provided in other publications, it gives a clear path to educational planning and development. The ABLLS can be purchased at www.difflearn.com. The ABLLS also acts as a skill tracking system for accurate monitoring of educational programs. Since its inception, POAC TX has provided several workshops that have benefited more than 2100 children. Teachers, parents, and other direct service providers from 27 school districts were in attendance at our workshop in May 2007. This workshop was co-sponsored by Marshall ISD and had over 180 participants from the East Texas area. Kelle Wood, M. Ed., BCBA presented “Research Based Practices for Reducing Problem Behaviors in Children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities”. One of POAC TX’s long-term goals is to give every public school teacher in Texas access to the information needed to understand and educate children with autism. Making a difference in the lives of children now is at the heart of everything we do at POAC TX. How you can “Make a Difference…Now!” There are so many ways for you to get involved and help POAC TX achieve its mission. So many parents, teachers, and special education majors are still at a loss as to how to teach and reach our children. The teaching and intervention techniques exist to make a difference in the lives of these children right now. It would be a tragedy if this information did not reach those that so desperately need it. Please join us and become part of the solution. 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. Learn more… Parents of Autistic Children of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. |
