Temple Grandin, despite being diagnosed with autism, defied the notion that it is a death sentence. Instead, she became a renowned author who has positively impacted countless individuals with autism. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Temple’s mother Eustacia recognized that she was a unique child. Temple displayed a disinterest in speaking, being touched or hugged, and playing like other children. In 1950, when Temple was four years old, her mother took her to a doctor who confirmed the diagnosis of autism after asking several questions. Eustacia, refusing to accept that her daughter would have limited interaction with the world, immediately embarked on helping her daughter communicate and engage in activities like any typical person.
Eventually, Temple spoke her first word, which was a significant milestone in her young life. However, she kept getting expelled from boarding schools until her mother took her to a boarding school in New Hampshire. Despite her previous behavior and her autism, this school accepted her. Initially, she was reluctant to go, but her mother convinced her. This marked another important step in Temple’s life. While she excelled in certain subjects, she also faced challenges in others, particularly algebra, which frustrated her. She questioned how an x could equal two y’s. Nonetheless, subjects like biology and shop class were more enjoyable for her. (“Temple Grandin” 3).
Works Cited
- Mcgowen, Kat. “Exploring Temple’s Brain.” Exploring Temple’s Brain Issue 3 (1947): 1 page. Master FILE Elite. Discover. February 10, 2014.
- Manger, Christopher and Johnson, Willian Merrit. “Temple Grandin.” Temple Grandin Issue 14 (1947): 7 pages. Master FILE Elite. Scholastic Slope. February 7, 2014.
- Montgomery, Sy. Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Hartcourt Publishing Company, 2012.
- Library of Congress. “Temple Grandin.” Temple Grandin Issue 2: 7 pages. Master FILE Elite. Scholastic Action. February 10, 2014. “Temple Grandin Ph.D.” http://www.templegrandin.com/
- Future Horizons, Inc. and RDC design Group, 2012. March 1, 2014.
