Parents of Autistic Children Together (PACT) is Chapter #532 of the Autism Society of America. PACT began in January 1991 as an informal group of eight parents who met regularly to discuss educational and medical options for their children with autism. 

By November 1991 there were 20 active PACT families, many of them are still active members.  In June of 1992 PACT became the Southwestern New Jersey Chapter #532.  Today, PACT has over 150 members and our main goal is to act as an information clearing house and resource center for families dealing with autism and related disorders by providing information on legal rights, educational programs and treatment options.  PACT has been instrumental in the starting of autistic services, classes and programs in Medford Lakes, Mt. Laurel, Edgewater Park, Pemberton, and Voorhees.

In 1996, the group initiated the Research and Education Fund to raise money to donate to organizations for research into the cause and treatment of autism and for projects that promote autism awareness to local medical and educational professionals.  During the past two years PACT has raised and donated over $96,000 to the Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN) for medical research, the New Jersey Institute for Early Intervention (NJIE) for educational research, and New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services to the Autism Community (COSAC). In addition, PACT has provided over $4000 in scholarships for parents and professionals to attend conferences and training seminars.

PACT holds family activities including two annual roller skating parties, Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt and outings at the shore; sends out a monthly newsletter updating members on medical and educational news; maintains a library of books and video tapes on autism and related disorders; and invites speakers from medical, educational and advocacy organizations to participate in monthly meetings. 

PACT is run entirely by volunteers - all are parents of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  

PACT is a United Way Charity.

PACT, determined to find a way to better disseminate information and services in the spring of 2000 decided to make a website.  Just your basic - "Hi, we are PACT and we meet on...".  On July 4th, 2000, the simple one page website went live.  Within a few months the site became what it is today, and just keeps getting better.

Join PACT and help us continue to make changes in the lives of those with autism and their families.  PACT is a fast moving high energy parents support group.

Revised: May 19, 2008