From the Desk of Holly Reimann ...

Dear Reader,

This past month was great in raising awareness and funds, despite the fact that there are six months to go until April's Autism Awareness month. We had much fun in educating families, coordinating services with organizations, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather at the Walk-a-thon for Autism in Mansfield and the Walk Now for Autism in Cleveland. Peak Potential Therapy raised $5,550 and our team the Puzzle Pals raised $10,500 to come in second place in total funds raised! We are extremely proud of everyone who so generously donated their time and money.

To distinguish the Puzzle Pals team, we had special t-shirts made. I ordered extra just in case more people joined the walk, so there are some left over. See the picture below! This is your opportunity to purchase a shirt with proceeds benefitting the next event "Rock 'til It Stops" by Autism Speaks on April 25, 2009. Please scroll down to get your shirt.

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

They are provided through the Helping Hand Program by the National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter (NAA-NEO) once a year. Helping Hand Grants can be used by families who have a child or children on the autism spectrum to provide financial assistance in obtaining respite care, a variety of therapy services (i.e. speech, occupational, physical, music, play, etc.), medical testing and treatments, a variety of biomedical treatments, and nutritional supplements.

If you would like to know if your request would be eligible, contact Andrea Pattison at 216.544.1231 or via email.

Applications must be postmarked
by November 15, 2008!

Children born to older fathers are at increased risk of having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

But the researchers found no link between increased maternal age and the risk of ASD.

The study, which was carried out in Japan, involved 84 participants with 'high-functioning' ASD. This meant that they displayed symptoms of autism, such as difficulties with socialising, communication and behaviour, but did not have an intellectual disability (i.e. all the participants had an IQ of more than 70).

This group was compared with 208 healthy controls, who had no intellectual disability and had not been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder.

The participants were divided into three groups, depending on how old their parents were when they were born. The three age classes were: under 29, 29-32 and over 33.

The researchers found that a one-level advance in the paternal age class corresponded to a 1.8-fold increase in the risk of the child having high-functioning ASD. However, there was no association between an increase in the maternal age at birth and the development of ASD.

Explanations for the effect are unclear, but it is thought that mutations can occur in the paternal germ line as the father gets older. Mutations in sperm can then be passed on to children.

This is the first study to explore the effect of paternal age on the risk of high-functioning ASD. Its findings correspond with previous studies which have shown a link between older fathers and a low IQ in children.

Medical News Today
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

To proudly distinguish the Puzzle Pals team members, we had t-shirts made. There are limited quantity of shirts left. If you would like to purchase one, please use the order form below. The are really nice! This is your opportunity to purchase a shirt with proceeds benefitting the next event "Rock 'til It Stops" on April 25, 2009.

The kids’ shirts are $5.00 and adults’ are $7.00.

Autism Awareness is very important and my company Peak Potential Therapy is commited to this cause – we need to continue our efforts!

Kids Sizes Small $5.00 Medium $5.00 Large $5.00	Adult Sizes Large $7.00 X-Large $7.00
Since there is only a limited number of shirts left, please act quickly!

For registration & event details contact me!