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The third annual Grand Prix de Kincardine, held in January at Family Funland, south of Kincardine, was a great race for the competitors. It was also a winner for Autism Ontario and Epilepsy Ontario as a total of $1,079 was raised for these agencies.

Race organizers Rob, Alicia and Justin Noakes made the presentations Sunday night at Coffee Culture in downtown Kincardine. The money came from donations made at the event, as well as on-line.

The Noakes family focused on support for autism and epilepsy because their son, Justin, 7, suffers from both disorders.

"We deal with this every day," said Rob. "We have received a lot of help from the local chapters of Autism Ontario and Epilepsy Ontario, and we will continue raising money for these agencies at the Grand Prix de Kincardine."

Virginia Smith of Owen Sound, president of the Grey Bruce Chapter of Autism Ontario, was thrilled to receive $655. With her were her daughter, Nyla Wilde, 18, who is autistic, and her service dog, "Hero."

Smith has been a member of Autism Ontario for 10 years. Nyla attends social clubs and enjoys the friendship from spending time with other teens.

Autism Ontario supports these social programs, as well as special theatre showings and gymnastic clubs. "People with autism have over-stretched sensory systems," said Smith. "A private showing of a movie makes accommodation for this.

"Autism Ontario is very important to me. The agency can look at the larger picture and make changes. Its key focus areas are awareness, advocacy and support."

For example, she said, it set up a Registered Retirement Savings Plan program for the disabled. With matching funds from the government, the family can put money aside which Nyla can access once she is older.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used to classify a range of pervasive developmental disorders which include autism, Asperger's, and atypical autism.

It is a lifelong neurologically-based developmental disorder, is extremely complex and can present in many different ways. That's why it is a "spectrum disorder". For this reason, it can be difficult to diagnose.

There are three main characteristics: significant delays/impairments to social development; delayed and/or unusual communication; repetitive ritualistic behaviour.

Nyla has had a service dog for two years.

"The dog helps her with making the transition from one activity to another," said Smith. "She has some anxiety during transitions and we have found she has no problem when she's with the dog. When she was young, she didn't like dogs, but she loves Hero."

The standard poodle was trained specifically for Nyla. Because there is a restriction of 10 years of age in Canada, Smith had to fund-raise and go to the United States to get the service dog.

She plans to use the funds raised from the Grand Prix de Kincardine to put on a local event, perhaps at a movie theatre, for the young people in the Grey Bruce area.

Andrea Longstaff, executive director of the Huron Perth Bruce Grey Chapter of Epilepsy Ontario, was unable to attend the presentation. A cheque for $414 was given to that agency.

This neurological disorder affects about 300,000 people in Canada and 50 million people worldwide. It is a medical condition of the brain that increases the likelihood of seizures.

Also at the presentation was Linda Marak, family support co-ordinator for Community Living of Kincardine and District which also helps people with developmental disabilities.

Rob welcomed Steve and Lisa Holtby, representing the Bluewater Snowmobile Club which helped with the snowmobile race. He also appreciates the support of Al Mackay of Ainsdale Golf Course, Tom Kempton of Kempton Construction, and Rick Mercer of the Rick Mercer Report, who all contributed to the success of the event.

A one-day exhibition race, affiliated with the Grand Prix de Kincardine, will be held in Listowel on Feb. 13, with donations to Autism Ontario and Epilepsy Ontario.

The annual Power Sports Show will be held on Saturday, June 18, at Family Funland, with fund-raising in support of Juvenile Diabetes.

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Wednesday, February 02, 2011