From the Desk of Holly Reimann ...

Dear Reader,

Even though it is mid-summer, and our society is not at the peak of Autism Awareness in April or the giving season in December. It is important to remember to continue to give back to the community year-round. All organizations have funding needs year-round, not just in April or December. Furthermore, without continued support, organizations (i.e. NAA-NEO) would not be able to offer funding to families in need. When looking at your budget, many financial experts recommend that you give 5%. We like to lead by example and find organizations to give back to regularly. For example, we are sponsoring Fashion Sense 2008 and we are making a donation to Autism Speaks for every new client we start serving until the walk on September 28th. It is important to give back in some way, and sometimes financially it is not possible. So instead of giving back monetarily, you can give back with volunteering your time. I know many parents who facilitate parent support groups, and organize events. This is important and greatly appreciated!

Best,
Holly Reimann, MA CCC-SLP
Speech-language Pathologist

Thanks to all our clients, who provided tremendous growth to my practice named Holly Reimann, MA, CCC-SLP - we are excited to announce that we have changed our company name to Peak Potential Therapy. We feel that this name embraces both our mission and the opportunity to increase therapists and staff.

For the next few months we will be continuing to present both company names together while we are transitioning! You will still receive high-quality therapeutic services and online support as before. For now, you can access our website via:

As a newcomer in the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology I would like to share some helpful tips and strategies that I have learned while working at SMILE Summer Camp that parents of children with Autism will find useful.

Children with Autism generally have a hard time transitioning from one task to the next so planning smooth transitions is important. Before you talk to your child about what you will be doing so they know what to expect, read them a story about where they will be going and talk to them about what they will see and do. You can draw pictures with them about what they will do.

I found that keeping a small timer helped to transition children from one task or activity to the next. Set the timer for three minutes and tell your child that in three minutes when the timer sounds you will be moving on to the next task. This will help your child prepare for the transition.

I also found that having a visual aid to go along with the activity was useful. Bring a long a picture schedule and small toys to go along with the schedule and represent each step such as a spoon to represent lunch time or a car to represent time to leave. This will give your child a visual cue and tangible sensory input to help them know what to expect next. The visual and auditory cues provided by the schedules and timers have proven to be extremely helpful in easing transitions between activities, increasing engagement, and providing structure for new activities, which will help your child reach their full potential.

A brain pathway that stops seizures has been found. Applying modern genetics and molecular biology to clinical observations made more than 80 years ago, by a team from the University of Iowa and the Veterans Affairs Iowa City Health Care System. They found that increased acid (pH) activates an ion channel in the brain that shuts down seizure activity. The findings were to be published Nature Neuroscience.

For more information:   Visit

Featured Event: July 20, 2008 "Fashion Sense 2008" is a timely and much needed fundraiser, combining a 'true' New York fashion show experience with an unforgetable afternoon of fun, extravagance, and an opportunity to come together for children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Northeast Ohio." This Event will take place July 20, 2008. Come enjoy the show and help support this great event. Click on the about us link for complete information on this benefit.

Event Flyer (.jpg)     PRESS RELEASE (.pdf)     For more information, please visit Fashion Sense '08 or call 330-837-9309.

Featured Event: July 18, 2008 "Fashion Sense 2008 Concert" Fashion and Music unite to benefit children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome in an unprecedented two day event. Kip Winger, Disney’s Everlife, Bulletboys, and XYZ plus local favorites Oblivion, Breakline and Drenalin are scheduled to bring a pre-event concert on Friday July 18, 2008 at the Canton Palace Theater in Canton, Ohio, hosted by Matt Patrick. This is an all age’s event and welcomes families.

For more information, please visit Fashion Sense '08 Concert or call 330-837-9309.

For registration & event details contact me!

Walk Now for Autism Cleveland 2008

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 Progressive Field

Join Holly Reimann, MA CCC-SLP & Autism Speaks as we tackle autism! Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by donating to Walk Now for Autism.

As part of our contribution, we will commit to donating $25 for each new client that starts speech-language therapy services between May 1, 2008 and September 28, 2008.

Walk Now for Autism offers everyone a fun-filled experience with entertainment, refreshments, an autism community resource fair, and much, much more. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Thank you in advance for your kind donation. Best, Holly Reimann, MA CCC-SLP Speech-language Pathologist