BEMIDJI, Minn. — Dr. John Parkin, pediatrician at MeritCare Clinic in Bemidji, will explore the nuances of being a grandparent to an autistic grandchild during a Tuesday, March 17, Academy of Lifelong Learning Lecture at the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation.
Part of the academy’s spring 2009 lecture series, the 90-minute session starts at 10 a.m. at the center’s off-campus facility located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North. The lecture is open to the public at no charge.
A developmental disorder in young children, autism is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, inability to communicate with others and by behaviors like obsessions, fussy eating, sleeping problems, resistance to change and extreme likes or dislikes. While signs may show up earlier, an official diagnosis may not occur until age three.
In addition to relating autism’s causes, medical diagnosis and management, Parkin will discuss the role a grandparent may play in a family unit that includes an autistic child. Grandparents may behave in ways that increase the burden on families or may act to reduce the stress. In addition to emotional support, the older generation may help with visits, assisting with household tasks, hosting overnight stays for children, and even with finances.
Grandparents also have frequent concerns about the effects of autism on their children, grandchildren and future generations.
As a pediatrician, Parkin specializes in the health care needs of infants, children and adolescents, including the monitoring of their growth and development as well as the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. His special interests include behavioral and learning problems.
Board certified in pediatrics, he received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed a pediatric residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire. He joined MeritCare Clinic in 1975.
Coming Up
The third in the series of spring academy lectures on March 24 will feature Traci Seelye, the manager of the ninth judicial district Guardian ad Litem Program who will explain the federal mandate to appoint a guardian ad litem to every abused and neglected child who comes before the court.
The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers humanities-based programs made possible in part with private donations and support from Bemidji State University. Individuals who wish to be added to the ALL mailing list or have questions about this program should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at http://www.cri-bsu.org.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
March 17 – 10 a.m. – Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation hosts Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture on the nuances of being a grandparent to an autistic grandchild. Presenter: Dr. John Parkin, pediatrician, MeritCare Clinic, Bemidji. Location: CRI; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N., Bemidji, Minn. Cost: free. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3224; http://www.cri-bsu.org.