GRPM to host lecture on sensory needs of autism

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After being diagnosed with autism as a child, Dr. Grandin spent her adult life helping to transform the way autistic children are taught and parented to focus on building practical skills and developing their strengths. Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum

In partnership with the Grand Rapids Community College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Grand Rapids Public Museum will host a lecture entitled Understanding Different Kinds of Minds and Sensory Needs by Dr. Temple Grandin, a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids.

Grandin has spent her life transforming society’s view of autism and developing the field of research and technology in animal behavior.

After being diagnosed with autism as a child, she spent her adult life helping to transform the way autistic children are taught and parented to focus on building practical skills and developing their strengths.

She has been a spokesperson for the autistic community and sensory integration therapy through her books and talks, where she describes the experiences of those with autism from an autistic perspective.

“We are extremely proud to partner with GRCC to host Dr. Grandin, and to offer this program to the West Michigan community,” said Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the GRPM. “A significant part of the population have personalized sensory needs and experiences, and our duty as an educational cornerstone is to provide a safe space and access to all learners and learning styles in the programs and experiences we create. Dr. Grandin is a pioneer in this work, and one of my personal heroes, who will help us all learn how to create better experiences for those with autism and other sensory processing challenges, that will in turn be better experiences for all.”

“An important ethos for Grand Rapids Community College is cultivating external partnerships,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, chief equity and inclusion officer for Grand Rapids Community College. “We are delighted to collaborate with the Grand Rapids Public Museum for this event. For twenty-seven years the Diversity Lecture Series has provided students, employees and community members with access to scholars, thought-leaders, activists and artists.”

After her lecture, Grandin will conduct a book signing.

The lecture is free to the public but will require registration. Tickets can be reserved at grpm.org and are available on a first come, first served basis. Masks will be required. The lecture also will be live-streamed on GRPM’s social media channels.

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