The Life And Legacy Of Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin, an autism-prone woman, said that she was different from others but not less. People with autism were more accepted back in the 1950s than in the 1960s. Grandin’s feelings and thoughts were unheard of by most people. Grandin’s intelligence, determination, and support from a few people helped her reach her goals. These traits are critical for young people, but more so for those with autism. Temple Grandin demonstrated determination and hardwork during her struggle with autism. Despite being dismissed by others for her autism, Temple Grandin’s passion for animal rights is still evident in her inventions and the conversations she started about the discrimination that others faced.

Grandin was an unresponsive and silent toddler from her parents’ perspective. Grandin’s life was drastically altered when she became autistic. She spent her entire life in silence and darkness. Geraldine Collier, author “Picture Hope. Picture Temple Grandin”, states that Grandin’s interest in other people was nil at the age of two-and-a half. Grandin had an extremely difficult time adapting to Temple Grandin’s new lifestyle after she was diagnosed with the illness. She faced many obstacles as she adjusted to her new life. Catherine Johnson, author of “Animals in Translation”, stated that Grandin’s inability to communicate with others led to her being kicked out high school for her violent behavior toward students. Grandin was also unable to make friends or play with peers because she couldn’t figure out what to do in social situations. Her behavior changed dramatically when she realized how restricted her life was in comparison to the lives of others. Grandin used violence to get rid of her frustration. Richard Panek, author of “The Autistic Brain” describes how people think that autistic individuals lack emotions. Grandin is able to feel ashamed and be abused by her sensory system. Although she did not know why she was so different, the information her brain received was like a gambled mess. Autism is a spectrum that causes children to experience overwhelming sensations, confusion, pain, and confusing words. Temple’s journey is not just about overcoming a disability. Her story shows us how to be creative and courageous in dealing with the challenges of autism. Grandin was supported by many people along her journey who believed in her potential and encouraged her to keep her eyes open for the future. Grandin didn’t hesitate to share her struggles and fears in her professional and personal relationships. William Carlock, a mentor who had worked with Grandin since she was in high school, believed that she was destined for great success. Grandin’s TED Ed video explains that her science teacher encouraged her not to be restricted by her disability, but to pursue her passion. Temple was able over come her autism limitations with Carlock’s support. Carlock helped her obsess about her autism and helped her become strong. There are good and bad things about being autistic, but Temple managed to control her behavior and accepted her autism as a blessing. Grandin was just 15 when she was sent by her aunt to the ranch in West. This was an important time in Grandin’s childhood. Grandin discovered a deep love for her aunt’s cattle by interacting with them at the ranch. She noticed that the cattle and her saw the world the same way. Grandin believes her ability “think in pictures” like a cow comes from her autism. She was astonished to see the cattle chute, and she made the connection between their calming pressure and her nervous system. She felt an empathy for the cattle that she could not feel for humans. As she became closer to these animals, her love grew. She was later able to improve the meatpacking business after she became aware of the cruel treatment of animals.

Grandin made a name for herself in the world of invention when she joined the workforce. She began her career in 1970s feedlots. The workers didn’t consider the thoughts and emotions of animals.

They were unable to control the cattle’s movements, resulting in panic and injuries, as well as death. Temple felt the cattle’s emotions throughout the process because she felt empathy. Grandin made all changes to the production according to how Grandin would feel. Although her wild ideas for ‘cattle psychology” were ridiculed by the men at the feedlots, they were amazed when the cattle moved smoothly through the yard. Grandin was disapproved of when Temple entered the cattle business. People believed she couldn’t be successful at her job. Grandin’s communication skills were often poor and she was sometimes isolated from her coworkers. Grandin discovered that she had a special connection with animals. This gave her an unparalleled perspective and was a benefit to her co-workers. Grandin tells Rosalie Winward in an interview:

Pictures are my way of thinking. I consider words to be a second language. I can turn spoken and written words into full colour movies. Instantly, I can translate any spoken word into pictures. Although this phenomenon can be difficult for language-based thinkers, it is extremely helpful in my job as an engineer and designer of equipment for the livesotck sector. Grandin’s natural aptitude for visual thinking means that she can see animal thinking through an entirely different perspective. Many people don’t have the ability to see things clearly. Grandin is known for her visual thinking, which is a crucial point in highlighting her central idea. Grandin was among the pioneers to offer her views on cattle treatment in livestock facilities. Grandin believed that livestock facilities were a serious problem because of the mistreatment of animals. In her book “Thinking In Pictures, My Life with Autism”, Grandin discusses how she designed a curvilinear lane design system to aid cattle in getting ready for slaughter. Grandin witnessed inhumane treatment of animals and insufficiencies throughout the meatpacking business. Through reducing stress, she has helped many meatpacking businesses become more efficient. Temple believes all animals that feed us should be treated with respect. Grandin is autistic and so is Grandin. However, she made the most of autism. Grandin understood animals and animal behavior, but she wasn’t able to understand them socially.

Grandin is a successful entrepreneur who also started her own company. Temple Grandin demonstrated determination and hardwork during her struggle with autism. Others dismissed Temple Grandin because she had a developmental disorder. But her legacy lives on in the inventions she made and the conversations she started to address the discrimination faced others like them. Temple Grandin persevered and worked hard while suffering from autism. It was an unknown disorder at the time. This helped her fight for animal rights and the humane treatment. Many people would give up on their autism due to the multitude of obstacles. But Grandin instead accepted her disability and used it as fuel for her passion for social change. Grandin faced many obstacles along her journey, but she persevered and was heard. Grandin’s efforts to make a difference has brought her much recognition.