Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks
about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in
pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might
miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum:
visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart
geeky kids.
An expert on animal behavior, Temple Grandin has designed
humane handling systems for half the cattle-processing facilities in the US,
and consults with the meat industry to develop animal welfare guidelines. As
PETA wrote when awarding her a 2004 Proggy: “Dr. Grandin's improvements to
animal-handling systems found in slaughterhouses have decreased the amount of
fear and pain that animals experience in their final hours, and she is widely
considered the world's leading expert on the welfare of cattle and pigs.”
Grandin’s books about
her interior life as an autistic person have increased the world's
understanding of the condition with personal immediacy -- and with import, as
rates of autism diagnosis rise. She is revered by animal rights groups and
members of autistic community, perhaps because in both regards she is a voice
for those who are sometimes challenged to make themselves heard.
"Autism is part of who I am." - Temple Grandin
EXCERPT from TED.COM Also visit grandin.com
