A biography about difference, persistence and practical problem-solving, linking Temple Grandin’s visual thinking with her scientific work and concern for livestock. It combines personal history with explanations and visual material rather than offering only a straightforward life story.
More about this book
When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism. While Temple's doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Her world-changing career revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make. This compelling biography complete with Temple's personal photos takes us inside her extraordinary mind and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism. - Publisher.
AutismThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.DifferenceThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.Self-understandingThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Violence and harmDiscrimination or prejudiceOther content to consider
Personalised Fit
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Temple’s diagnosis, communication, sensory experience and visual thinking are presented as important parts of her life and work.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The book presents autism as involving real obstacles while also foregrounding Grandin’s view that it contributes something valuable to her life.
Talk about: How does Temple’s perspective compare with the book’s broader explanations of autism, and whose experiences are included?
Support and opportunity
Temple’s mother, teachers, schools and other people are described as influencing whether her abilities were recognised and developed.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: Supportive relationships and educational opportunities are treated as significant contributors to her development and achievements.
Talk about: Which kinds of support made a difference, and whether does the book show limits or unintended effects in the help she received?
Animal welfare and food production
Temple’s scientific career includes designing livestock facilities intended to reduce fear and suffering, alongside discussion of ranching and slaughterhouse practices.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The book clearly supports humane treatment of livestock, while its wider treatment of food production and competing views is less clear.
Talk about: How does the book weigh humane design against the wider ethical questions surrounding animals raised for food?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may support discussion of inclusion and the varied ways people think, while also opening questions about how schools, families and teachers can either hinder or foster someone’s abilities.
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What Deserves Attention
The book also discusses autism, communication, sensory experience and institutionalisation, so a parent may wish to preview those sections.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does the book distinguish Temple’s own understanding of autism from the explanations offered by other people, and what might readers learn about avoiding assumptions based on someone’s communication or behaviour?
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Reading Approach
Read alongside the photographs and drawings, pausing to explain unfamiliar ideas about autism, animal welfare and factory farming.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Autism and identity: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Support and opportunity: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Animal welfare and food production: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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