Meeting Dr. Temple Grandin

From the moment my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, meeting Dr. Temple Grandin has been on my bucket list.

I first learned about Grandin while studying animal science at Virginia Tech. She is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and has designed livestock handling facilities all over the world. She has published multiple books and has shattered barriers as a woman and as a person with autism.

The day my son was diagnosed, I ordered every book she’d written about having autism. Knowing how far she’d come — from a child who didn’t speak until age 3½ to a renowned expert in her field — gave me comfort at a time when I feared what the future held for my child.

I finally had a chance to hear Grandin speak this year at the South Florida Fair. First, I have to say this was the most inclusive event I’ve ever been to. The front row was reserved for people who were hard of hearing. Two ladies split the duty of sign language interpreter. The speaker has autism. Looking at the audience, I could see families with their loved ones who have autism.

I expected Grandin’s talk to focus on livestock, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. She talked about growing up with autism and challenges she faced. She talked about tools that work for her, such as having notes for her presentation to keep her organized and focused during the talk.

Even more surprising to me was that she took questions from the floor. The first question came from a young man with autism who is trying to find his place in the world. She gave him career advice, then expanded on how people with autism need to be prepared for adulthood. This is something I’ve been thinking about as my son gets older.

The mother of a child with autism asked a question and it was interesting to hear Grandin drill her down from a broad question to a simple one. She replied that people with autism need questions to be simple and focused, not broad. Grandin also shared that, as parents, we will have more success focusing on one specific thing at a time, instead of trying to change an entire system that is not designed for our loved ones with autism.

As she spoke, I thought about my son. Right now, I can’t imagine him standing in front of a room giving a speech and taking random questions he hasn’t prepared the answer for. Watching Grandin reminded me that autism doesn’t have to limit him and may in fact be his secret weapon in whatever career he chooses.

After her presentation, we had a chance to buy books and meet Grandin. I bought two books I didn’t already have to add to my collection, which I asked her to sign for my son. He needs to know there are people like him — people with autism — who have made their place in the world and didn’t change themselves to do it.

Dr. Temple Grandin may be a leader in the livestock industry, but in this momma’s eyes, her true impact is helping parents like me learn how to support our children who have autism.