From the Desk of Holly Reimann ...

Dear Reader,

As I talk to parents daily, I hear a reoccurring theme about questions regarding utilizing skills in different environments and with different people. The skill could be anything that the child needs to improve. However, it is how and where it is taught and used that makes it more meaningful and improves generalization or carryover of the skill. It is important, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, that the skill be learned in the environment where they will use it. For many of my clients, the place we start with is their home. Their home is where they feel comfortable, where their family is, where their toys are, where there are natural distractions, and most importantly where they will use the skills they are learning. When learning takes place in the environment they will use it, you don't have to worry as much about generalization of skills from therapy sessions to use at home to use with family. The generalization of skills becomes seamless and easier for the kids and their families.

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

May is recognized nationally as "Better Speech and Hearing Month!" Raising awareness about communication disorders is important. Did you know the scope of practice for a speech-language pathologist includes helping infants through adults with swallowing and feeding, speech sound production, resonance, voice, fluency, language, and cognition!?!

Humans are social beings. We communicate reciprocally in a variety of ways through speech, gestures/non-verbally, print and icons. Many people protect their vision, i.e. wear sunglasses, don't look at the sun, or wear goggles. However, it is too common that people don't protect their ears. Without our hearing, we lose an essential part of communication. Our ears do have a natural protective reflex, but it only lasts for so long before the damage is permanent. This type of damage is called "noise induced hearing loss." Some people think that because they don't work in a factory or around airplanes, they don't need to protect their hearing. Even a blow dryer, toy car with siren, or iPod can cause damage. If you have some hearing loss now, it is still important to protect what you have to prevent further damage. Loudness of noise is measured in decibles (dB). Here is what and how much noise our ears can handle safely:

PAINFUL: (no amount is safe)
140 dB = firearms, fireworks
120 dB = jet plane, jack hammer, ambulance

EXTREMELY LOUD:
110 dB = concert, airplane, lewer for 1 min.
100 dB = chain saw, tractor, level5 on MP3 - 15 min.
95 dB = motorcycle for 30 minutes
90 dB = lawnmower, blowdryer for 1 hour
85 dB = blender for 2 hours

LOUD & REGULAR NOISE: (for any amount of time)
80 dB = alarm clock
70 dB = washing machine
60 dB = conversation, dishwasher
40 dB = refrigerator hum
25 dB = wisper

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/noise.htm

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain by Trevor Romain is a book that is recommended for kids 8-13, but could definitely be used with teenagers. The book has great cartoon drawings on almost every page to illustrate the point being made, i.e.: Bullies are self-esteem vampires. The author does a good job of clearly defining a subject and utilizing humor. It provides strategies to use when confronted, myths vs. facts, and who can help. I would consider this to be a great introductory book about bullying; it is short, sweet and to the point. Teach your kids to advocate for themselves at an early age.

Save $2.00 when ordering by using code "BULLY".

For more information visit: A.D.D. Warehouse.

May Cost   Time Event 5      4:30-7:30pm Technology:GraphicOrgnz,ValleyView 6       6:30-8:30pm ASA:Clev Monthly Meeting, Breksville 8       7:30am-3:30pm Insider’s Perspective, Beachwood 13      4:30-7:30pm Technology:NoteTaking,ValleyView 17      7am-4pm Goodyear Fishing Derby, Akron 17   $10   9am-12pm PECS for Parents, Westlake 17-18      11am-7pm NASA Glenn Open House, Cleveland 18      All Day OAR - Run For Autism (please see below) 18   $30   1:30-4pm Tools for Communication, Westlake 18      2-3:30pm Understanding ASD, Twinsburg 18   $6/kid   1-2:30pm Jillian's Teen Outing, Cleveland Hts. 20      6:30-8:30pm Alternative Therapies, ACH: Considine Bldg. 21   $23   All Day Cedar Point Family Day 28      7-8:30pm Meditation is for Everyone, Twinsburg 29   $12   6-8pm Methodologies 101,ACH:Considine 31   Kids FREE   11am-9pm Pegasus Farm Family Fun Day, Hartville Featured Event: May 18, 2008 Everybody knows that Cleveland Rocks! Why not start another tradition! RUN FOR AUTISM - Cleveland style. You and your friends are invited to SIGN UP NOW before it's too late for the 10K charity race scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18. It's not a race. . . It's about going the distance. So, Get up . . . Get out . . . walk, run or jog for a cause and raise money for autism research. You can make a difference!            HURRY SIGN UP NOW! Registration closes May 15th - Go to run@researchautism.org or call 866-366-9710. June Cost   Time Event 1      10am-2pm Disability Walk, Brooklyn 3      6:30-8:30pm ASA of Clev. Mtg., Brecksville 5      7-9pm Adult Aspies' Mtg, ACH: Considine Bldg. 16    $115  8:00am-4:45pm Milestones' Autism/Asperger's Conference 17      6:30-8:30pm Meet & Greet, ACH: Considine 17-18   $300  8:30am-3:30pm Working w/ASD, Highland Hills 16-20   $650  9am-3pm S.M.I.L.E. Summer Camp, Twinsburg 23     7:30-8:30pm Managing Stress, Twinsburg 23-27   $650  9am-3pm S.M.I.L.E. Summer Camp, Twinsburg 23-27   $950  8am-4pm TEACCH Training, Cuyahoga Falls 27   $90  8:30am-4pm Topics in Child Development, Kent 27   $35  9am-12pm Effective Practice, ACH: Considine Bldg. Featured Event: June 16, 2008 This conference is for you if you are a . . . special educator • inclusion teacher • classroom aide • speech therapist • occupational therapist • psychologist • social worker • nurse • music or art therapist • physical therapist • school counselor • parent or relative of individual with autism spectrum disorder • behavioral therapist Targeted workshops for parents and professionals working with young children, elementary, middle and high school, as well as adults with autism, Asperger’s or social communication challenges. Learn techniques to implement right away at home, school, and in the community. HURRY SIGN UP NOW! Registration closes June 9th - Go to Registration or call 216-371-4765.

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