Ocean Road students lace up in support of POAC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that an average of one in 110 children in the United States have autism. The neuro-developmental disorder typically manifests through impaired social interaction and communication.  Autism is one of three disorders on the autism spectrum that also includes Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Symptoms vary widely and although each disorder is characterized by specific symptoms, each ranges in severity.

Although there is no known cure for autism, experts agree that early behavioral and cognitive interventions are key to determining a child’s level of future independence.  Point Pleasant Borough Schools offer a variety of options to address the needs of the increasing autistic population.

“From pre-school classes for children as young as three to self-contained autism classes and mainstream opportunities for students in kindergarten through high school the goal is to offer our students with autism and other developmental disabilities the least restrictive learning environment possible,” said District Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services Rita Miller.

Ms. Miller said that interventions include Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and appropriate related services in the areas of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapies.

Ms. Miller said that although there are students with autism at each of the district’s four schools, the self-contained autism classes are located at Memorial Middle School and Ocean Road Elementary School.

“Providing our students with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to matriculate in the communities in which they live is invaluable to promoting their successful integration into their home community,” said Ms. Miller. “This interaction also serves a dual purpose as students without disabilities learn valuable lessons about tolerance and acceptance through exposure to their peers with disabilities.”

A fact that was recently demonstrated by Ocean Road Elementary School’s selection of Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) as the beneficiary of their annual Walk-a-Thon fundraiser.

Earlier this month, the event’s top fundraisers Sunny Ball, Taylor Hill, Aidan Knipe, Joseph Grassi and Carly Loigu presented POAC Executive Director Gary Weitzen with a check for $1,500.

“We raised funds for POAC because we care about kids with autism,” fifth grade student Carly Loigu read from a prepared statement. “There are a lot of kids with autism at Ocean Road School, and they are important to our school family. Kids with autism help to teach us that being a good friend means being patient, kind and accepting of differences,” she continued.

“Because POAC is funded solely by donations this money will go a long way to helping ensure that children with autism continue to receive the services they need,” said Mr. Weitzen.

According to Mr. Weitzen POAC provides more free training to children with autism and their families than any other organization.

“Donations like this help us to achieve our goal of improving the lives of children and adults with autism by providing scientifically-based training to parents, teachers, and other direct service provider,” continued Mr. Weitzen.

Mr. Weitzen said that POAC conducted over 180 free trainings across the state last year alone.

“By continually raising awareness and supporting quality research, POAC also seeks to uncover the causes of autism, potential methods of prevention and ultimately a cure,” he said.

Because the Walk-a-Thon event was coordinated by the Ocean Road Parent Teacher Organcization PTO co-president Jeannine Moreland and treasurer Nicole Sudol were also on hand for the check presentation.

“POAC is an excellent organization that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of families affected by autism,” said Ms. Sudol whose son attends Ocean Road’s integrated preschool program. “The entire PTO enthusiastically supported POAC’s designation as this year’s walk-a-thon charity.”

“I am so proud of our students for embracing this cause,” said Principal Sheila Buck. “I think we can collectively take a cue from the students,” said Mrs. Buck referring to the statement prepared by the students and read by Carly Loigu at the check presentation.

“We pledge to be good friends to children with autism and other special needs,” read the statement. “We pledge to lead by example and to show other people in our community that all children have something special to contribute to our world.”