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Overcoming Autism - Temple Grandin

Because of the Emmy awards, I found out about this woman - Temple Grandin - who was diagnosed as autistic in the 1950s. She overcame this condition and now writes about it (Profusely) and speaks around the country. She has multiple college degrees, including a doctorate, and is an advocate for animal rights as well. One really amazing woman.

Source 4

Grandin Temple Autism Overcoming

Temple Grandin the movie can be reviewed here: Source 1

Overcoming Autism - Temple Grandin Health & Special Psychology

It's interesting how she states that autism is not a death sentence and that once a person is autistic doesn't mean they will always be and she puts herself as an example, however doing a little research she explains in detail how her brain works (as a "web browser", she is very annoyed at certain sounds, etc) along with other interesting things which it seems to suggest to me that she still autistic but probably just reached the highest level of functioning.

It doesn't mean she is not longer autistic, it means that is probably no longer very noticeable and have allowed her to live independently and successfully in life.

I am hoping our boys can reach this same level one day. Thanks for that article Farseer.

Grandin Temple Autism Overcoming

Yes, I agree, she was not cured but managed to find a way to function within "normal" capacity - even became an over-achiever! I am interested to read more about how she did that. Also, she seems to have a real affinity with animals, and I thought I read where she believes that she has the same type of thought processing that animals do. Very fascinating to me that she was able to overcome the bias and lack of real help available in that era.

Grandin Temple Autism Overcoming

One thing important to understand is that Autism never leaves the individual who is Autistic, they merely find ways to cope with it and / or handle their challenges / reaction to fears in what may seem to be a more 'normal' or acceptable way.

Overcoming Autism - Temple Grandin

Then you need to watch the movie that was made based on her story:

Temple Grandin

Overcoming Autism Temple Grandin

"People on the spectrum who have a fulfilling life now often had four important assets earlier in their life: early education and treatment; medication or other treatment for severe anxiety, depression, or sensory sensitivities; development of their talents; and mentors and teachers to help them."

-Temple Grandin,
Thinking in Pictures

Overcoming Autism Temple Grandin Psychology Special & Health

If an individual has not been taught certain skills, it is never too late to start. People on the autism spectrum can always keep learning."
-- Dr. Temple Grandin