Clinical Interests
Evaluation of pediatric epilepsy surgery
Childhood seizure disorders
Sleep disorders in children and narcolepsy
Research Interests
Outcomes of pediatric epilepsy surgery
Functional neuroimaging in children with epilepsy
Narcolepsy in children
Antiepileptic drug trials
Seizure prediction
Cortical stimulation for treatment of intractable epilepsy
Medical School: Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea, 1976
Residency: Pediatrics, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, 1985
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1988
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1989
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1993
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1992
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1991
Provider's Gender
Male
Languages
English
Insurance Carriers Accepted
In-Network
Humana
Please note that without member information we cannot guarantee that
your specific plan covers these services. We recommend asking the care
provider before beginning services.
Aetna
Ambetter
AmeriGroup
CareSource
Cigna
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200 Industrial Blvd,GA,31021
Get in Contact
(706) 721-8623
Reviews
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Dr. Park is very understanding and a great pediatric neurologist. I was impressed with how much he knows about my sons rare condition. He is amazing
Maria Olvera
12 March 2024
google review
Dr. Park has not stopped looking for answers for our don. He is very caring and dedicated to his patients.
Ivonne Osella
17 March 2022
google review
This man was horrible. The pediatrician sent me to him to evaluate muscle weakness my 2 yr old daughter. Dr. Park came in and wiggled her arms while my daughter was sitting on my lap she was completely limp btw and said Well shes talking so no need to worry. And then sent me on my way. That is what actually happened. I wish I had filmed it. Some evaluation.
Samantha F
17 March 2019
google review
Hes a amazing dr honestly i probably wouldnt be here if it wasnt for him i was really shy and wouldnt talk at first but i warmed up to him sooner or later i had been to many drs around macon and wanerrobins even hospitals that gave my mom all the same answer there was no hope then we found dr parks he is the best i had a amazing experience with him and would recommend his office to anyone
Gloria Smith
17 March 2019
google review
How is this man still practicing medicine He is terrible. Even my childs pediatrician doesnt trust him
C. H.
17 March 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
When you visit a neurologist, they’ll assess your child’s needs, run some tests (think imaging or EEG), and diagnose. From there, they’ll create a customized treatment plan. Medication, lifestyle tweaks, or maybe even a referral to another specialist could be on the table.
There unfortunately isn’t one test for all neurodevelopmental conditions. Most likely you will go into a visit to test one or two medical conditions. If you are looking for a comprehensive autism evaluation, developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists are the preferred specialists who can diagnose autism.
No, neurologists focus mainly on non-surgical interventions. If your child needs surgery, neurologists might point you in the direction of a pediatric neurosurgeon.
More research is needed to understand the link between sleep disturbance and autism, but there are a few possible reasons why autistic children have difficulty sleeping.2
Co-occurring conditions. Coexisting medical conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or sleep apnea (when you stop breathing multiple times throughout the night), environmental allergies, and gastrointestinal upset (like constipation), can negatively impact sleep.
Sensory sensitivities. Sensitivity to lights, sounds, and touch (think textures of blankets and clothing) can disrupt sleep.
Medications. Often autistic children are prescribed medications to address various concerns like hyperactivity, anxiety, or aggression. Many of these medications may contribute to sleep problems. Adderall, Focalin, and Vyvanse are examples of stimulants prescribed to children on the spectrum to treat hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, that can cause insomnia. Abilify and Risperdal (medications commonly prescribed for autistic children who have severe irritability, aggression, and/or self-injurious behaviors) may cause some children to become very sleepy. However, each person responds differently to medications. (Pro tip: Keep channels of communication open with your doctor so that you can find the best medication to help your child that least affects sleep.)
Neurobiological differences. Some research suggests autistic people may not produce the same levels of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) or hormones (melatonin) important for sleep regulation, and may also experience disruption in circadian rhythms.3 In addition, low muscle tone can contribute to sleep-breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, which also affects the quality of sleep and can lead to increased inattentive and hyperactive symptoms during the day. These behaviors, in turn, make it more challenging for the child to participate in therapies and activities.
Like anyone else, when children on the spectrum don’t get adequate sleep, they may find it difficult to self-regulate during the day. But there’s another consequence – autistic kids who don’t get enough sleep can experience an increase in stimming, irritability, inattention, difficulty socializing, and keeping up in school.3 They may also face challenges with increased hyperactivity and lack of impulse control. In short, lack of sleep can intensify your child’s existing challenges.
The same goes for parents, too. It’s hard for you to keep your cool and be fully present when you aren’t well-rested.5 As you’ve already found out, good sleep is crucial for everyone in the home.
Speak with your doctor if you have concerns – especially if you notice your child snores or gasps in their sleep, grinds their teeth (bruxism), sleeps with their mouth open/drools, or is very sweaty during sleep, as these are potential signs of sleep apnea. It can be helpful to keep a log of concerns, including when the child falls asleep, how many times they wake up, when they wake for the day, and any unusual behaviors (e.g., an unusual number of sleep terrors, recurrent nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, unusual hand movements, lip-smacking).
Research shows that pediatricians are sometimes unaware of the severity of sleep issues in autistic children, so please continue to advocate for your child if you have concerns.