Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin at TED

Temple-Grandin-2013

Temple Grandin is an American professor, author, and inventor renowned for her pioneering work in animal science and autism advocacy. Born on August 29, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, Grandin was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Despite facing challenges associated with her diagnosis, she went on to achieve significant academic and professional success, earning a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Early Life and Education

Grandin's early life was marked by the challenges of navigating the social and educational barriers associated with autism. Her mother, Eustacia Cutler, played a crucial role in her development, seeking out specialists and therapies that would help Temple develop her speech and social skills. Grandin's interest in animal behavior began in her teens when she spent time at her aunt's ranch. She noticed that cattle displayed signs of nervousness and stress, which sparked her interest in creating more humane livestock handling designs.

Grandin pursued her higher education with a focus on animal science, obtaining her bachelor's degree from Franklin Pierce University, her master's degree from Arizona State University, and eventually her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Career and Contributions

Throughout her career, Grandin has made significant contributions to both animal science and the understanding of autism. Her insights into animal behavior have led to the development of humane slaughter techniques and livestock handling facilities. One of her most notable inventions is the "hug box," a device designed to calm individuals with autism, inspired by her own sensitivity to touch and the calming effect she observed in cattle when they were gently squeezed.

Grandin's advocacy for autism has had a profound impact on raising awareness and understanding of the condition. She has written extensively on the subject, sharing her personal experiences and promoting the idea that the world needs all kinds of minds. Her books, including "Thinking in Pictures" and "The Autistic Brain," have been influential in the field of autism studies.

Public Recognition

Temple Grandin's work has earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards. She has been featured in major media outlets and was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. Her life story was also adapted into an award-winning HBO film, "Temple Grandin," starring Claire Danes.

Legacy

Grandin's legacy is characterized by her contributions to improving animal welfare and her efforts to increase understanding and acceptance of autism. She continues to teach at Colorado State University and speaks internationally on both animal science and autism.

See Also

• Animal welfare
• Autism advocacy
• Humane slaughter