Temple grandin mini biography

(1947-)

Who Is Temple Grandin?

Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child and went on to pursue work in psychology and animal science. She has become a leading advocate for autistic communities and has also written books and provided consultation on the humane treatment of animals. In 2010, HBO released an Emmy Award-winning film on Grandin’s life.

Early Life

Grandin was born to parents Richard Grandin and Eustacia Cutler in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 29, 1947. At the age of 2, Grandin was diagnosed with autism, considered a form of brain damage at the time. Cutler, initially blamed by physicians for her daughter’s condition, worked tirelessly to find the best care and instruction for Grandin. Her treatments included extensive speech therapy, which helped to draw out and reinforce Grandin’s communicative abilities.

Grandin began to speak at the age of 4. Although her parents sought the best possible teachers, social interactions remained difficult in middle and high school, where other students teased Grandin regularly for her verbal tics.

Despite these difficulties, Grandin achieved considerable academic success. She earned a degree in psychology from Franklin Pierce College in 1970, followed by a master's degree in animal science from Arizona State University and a doctoral degree in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then worked as a consultant to companies with large animal slaughterhouse operations, advising them on ways of improving the quality of life of their cattle.

Advocacy and Books

Grandin became nationally known after appearing in Oliver Sacks's 1995 book, An Anthropologist on Mars, the title of which is derived from Grandin's description of how she feels in social settings. By that time, she had already made a name for herself in autism advocacy circles. Grandin first spoke publicly about autism in the 1980s, at the request of one of the founders of the Autism Society

Mary Temple Grandin (born August 29, 1947) is an American academic and animal behaviorist. She is a prominent proponent for the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Grandin is a consultant to the livestock industry, where she offers advice on animal behavior, and is also an autism spokesperson.

Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experience of autism. She is currently a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.

In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category. She was the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning biographical film Temple Grandin. Grandin has been an outspoken proponent of autism rights and neurodiversity movements.

Early life

Family

Mary Temple Grandin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a very wealthy family. One of the employees of the family was also named Mary, so Grandin was referred to by her middle name, Temple, to avoid confusion.

Her mother is Anna Eustacia Purves (now Cutler), an actress, singer, and granddaughter of John Coleman Purves (co-inventor of the aviation autopilot). She also has a degree in English from Harvard University.

Her father was Richard McCurdy Grandin, a real estate agent and heir to the largest corporate wheat farm business in the United States at the time, Grandin Farms. Grandin's parents divorced when she was 15, and her mother eventually went on to marry Ben Cutler, a renowned New York saxophonist, in 1965, when Grandin was 18 years old. Grandin's father died in California in 1993.

Grandin has three younger siblings: two sisters and a brother. Grandin has described one of her sisters as being dyslexic. Her younger sister is an artist, her other sister is a sculptor, and her brother is a banker.

Dr. Temple Grandin stands as one of the most influential figures in the autism community. As a scientist, professor, and autism advocate, her unique insights and personal experiences have paved the way for a deeper understanding of autism, especially regarding visual thinking. By exploring Dr. Grandin’s life and contributions, we gain valuable perspectives that inspire and reassure families with autistic children, underscoring the potential within each individual.

Key Points Covered:

• Dr. Temple Grandin’s personal journey with autism

• Her work in science and advocacy

• How her life’s work benefits families and individuals with autism

Dr. Temple Grandin’s Early Life and Diagnosis

Born in 1947, Dr. Grandin faced unique challenges from an early age. Diagnosed with autism in a time when awareness was limited, her journey highlights resilience and determination.

• Overcoming Barriers: Despite social and communication challenges, Dr. Grandin’s family supported her unique strengths and interests.

• The Power of Visual Thinking: Dr. Grandin discovered she was a visual thinker, an aspect she has used throughout her career to connect with the world around her.

Dr. Temple Grandin’s Contributions to Science and Autism Awareness

Dr. Grandin has made substantial contributions to both animal science and autism awareness, showing that differences can lead to remarkable achievements.

• Animal Science Innovations:

• As a professor of animal science, Dr. Grandin pioneered more humane livestock handling methods.

• Her visual thinking abilities allowed her to empathize with animals, revolutionizing practices in animal welfare.

• Autism Advocacy and Education:

• Dr. Grandin’s books, public speaking, and media appearances offer hope and understanding to families worldwide.

• Through her advocacy, Dr. Grandin demonstrates the potential of autistic individuals, urging the world to focus on abilities rather than limitations.

• Famous Works and Publica