Dr. Temple Grandin (b.1947) is an American doctor and inventor known for her work with animal behavior, particularly for the livestock industry. She is also known for her autism advocacy. Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child. She did not speak until she was four years old. When I read about Grandin, I knew I had to feature her here in honor of my many friends who have loved ones with autism or Asperger’s. In 2010 Grandin was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the HEROS category. To find out more about Grandin and her amazing life, click HERE.
Dr. Temple Grandin Quotes
- People are always looking for the single magic bullet that will totally change everything. There is no single magic bullet.
- A treatment method or an educational method that will work for one child may not work for another child. The one common denominator for all of the young children is that early intervention does work, and it seems to improve the prognosis.
- And while we are on the subject of medication you always need to look at risk versus benefit.
- I am a big believer in early intervention.
- I can remember the frustration of not being able to talk. I knew what I wanted to say, but I could not get the words out, so I would just scream.
- I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.
- I have been on the same dose of anti-depressants for 15 years, and my nerves still go up and down in cycles; but my nerves are cycling at a lower level than they were before.
- I obtain great satisfaction out of using my intellect.
- If you start using a medication in a person with autism, you should see an obvious improvement in behavior in a short period of time. If you do not see an obvious improvement, they probably should not be taking the stuff. It is that simple.
- One of my sensory problems was hearing sensitivity, where certain loud noises, such as a school bell, hurt my ears. It sounded like a dentist drill going through my ears.
- You have got to keep autistic children engaged with the world. You cannot let them tune out.
I think that first quote is true of so many things…
Nerdy Chicks Rule 
Love, love, love your chick choice this week!
Also want to give a nod to Temple’s mother Eustacia Cutler. Her story “A Thorn in My Pocket” is well worth reading, adding richness and deep perspective on Temple’s accomplishments and brilliance. One of my favorite lines from Eustacia (paraphrasing) “There are no answers. There are only choices. And making choices takes a kind of persistent courage.”
Very nice quote Cathy. Thanks for sharing. I understand that one completely!
Love this one! I can’t tell you how many times I suggest that a parent seek out the movie and research Grandin. The movie is fine enough to get them hooked on reading about her. Once they hear some of the wisdoms and insights that she gives into autism, they are better able to move outside of their own frustrations with their children and seek to be more patient. Thanks for this!
Thanks so much for your comment. Once I read about Grandin’s accomplishments, I knew I had to feature her!
Thank god we dont always get what we ask for and go around “fixing” everyone. I think living as and with a person with autism is a rockier road life than most, and as a mother we always want it smooth for our children… but when my Issie overcomes a bump there is so much sweetness.
Rock on Temple,
thank you I really enjoyed looking at your sites all the best beth
Thank you for your comment Beth and your insight. Whether our children’s struggles are, you’re right that we want to smooth things over, and I know I’ll never stop wanting that, but I have at least realized that overcoming = growth.