Meet Dr. Temple Grandin, Autism Awareness

Hello and welcome to the Girls Succeed Blog!

Today I want to introduce you to a remarkable woman, Dr. Mary Temple Grandin.
According to wikipedia, she is an American professor of animal science at Colorado State University, consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, and autism spokesperson.
Not only is she a brilliant doctor/scientist, she is also a woman who is opening up the mystery of autism from the inside. Temple is autistic.

What is Autism?

Autism is a developmental condition in the brain.

photo from pixabay

Autism is a pervasive neuro-developmental condition which effects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. People with autism may have a difficult time understanding ‘typical’ social cues and social behaviors, and they may face challenges engaging with those around them — either by using words or non-verbal behaviors. --The Global Autism Project Click here for the entire article.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (asd), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences.--Autism Speaks

Temple's Life
Temple wrote about her life as an autistic person. Her voice led to a better understanding of autism which has helped in working with people with the condition and making their lives better. 

Temple never talked until she was almost 4 years old. Doctors wanted to send her to an institution and keep her away from society, but her mother would have none of that. Her mom stood up for Temple and found speech therapists and private schools to educate her. She loved horses and building things.

Temple loves horses.
Photo from pixabay.

Going to school and fitting "in" wasn't easy for Temple, but with her mother's support and love and her determination, Temple graduated with a degree in animal science and went on to become a doctor in animal science. 

Learn more about Temple and her life in this video.
Video: Home and Family Life--Temple Grandin

Home and Family Life Video Interviews Temple Grandin

Youtube video

Do you or someone you know have autism? Tell us about it in a comment below.