This has been an interesting read for a modern day autistic. To see some of the perceptions of autism, both by the general public and by an autistic themselves, from two decades ago has given me a greater appreciation for my own perception of autism. The ideas presented are dated, leading me to see this book more as an historical perspective of autism rather than an aid to those currently living autistic lives.

I really enjoyed the HBO Movie, Temple Grandin, so when I had to choose a book to write about for my Abnormal Psych class, I decided to read her autobiography. Temple is just such a special and unique person, and her determination against all odds is really inspirational for anyone – autistic or not. She defies all expectations! A great and fascinating read for anyone who is interested in autism and anyone who knows or works with individuals diagnosed with autism.

A compelling memoir from Grandin. As someone with autism, I found that I could relate to a few parts of this, though not every single one of them as autism is an extremely wide spectrum.
Curiously, Temple's coauthor - Margaret M. Scariano - has written a few Harlequin books.

Temple Grandin has been a super-hero of mine for quite some time. Oliver Sachs first introduced her to me but I hadn't read any of her work until this book found its way into my heart. I wish I would have read this book earlier, it now makes so much sense . . . the fixations, the high sensitivity to the tactile feeling of clothes on one's skin, the temper tantrums, etc. For those challenged with special children (or adults), reading this book is sure to bring comfort and hope. Temple brings us into her world -- a world of over-stimulation that is frightening even to the person who lives within the walls of autism. She grew up in the 50's when the medical world was beginning to move away from institutionalizing these unique human beings, but didn't quite know to treat the symptoms of this disorder. Temple was blessed with a mother who continuously advocated on behalf of her and never gave up. Together they worked to understand how to compensate for the autism and let her gifts shine. The book is an amazing witness to the unconditional love a mother has for a child, no matter the circumstances. I highly recommend this book for those searching for hope.

I was fortunate to be gifted this book from a sweet friend. This allowed me to read it with a highlighter in hand, noting parts that I felt were important to me as an educator. I love that Ms. Grandin's beliefs often matched my own when it comes to medication. She stated, "In young children with a new diagnosis of autism, it is often best to try some of the biomedical approaches such as the casein-free (milk) and gluten-free (wheat) diets. Special diets have helped some children." I would add that it's important to try behavior modification prior to medication. Too many parents hope that a pill will be the panacea. But do you really want to jump to medicate on a brain so young? As a kindergarten teacher, I often urge parents to look into seeing a nutritionist and/or behavior programs like Love and Logic. Sometimes a child needs more routine and consistency in their lives. Often it's a lack of discipline, period. If medication becomes necessary, by all means, use it. But rule out other things first!

Much of the book was filled with useful tidbits like the following: " . . . an autistic child may ignore a loud noise but react violently to the sound of crinkling cellophane." Very insightful and useful information when it comes to future students. I have had several students with Asperger's, some diagnosed, some not. In kindergarten it is rare to have an entering child already diagnosed, however, they are easy to spot by their quirky behavior, difficulty with eye contact, social isolation, and undeveloped gross and fine motor skills. But the students I have had were treasures! I enjoyed each one immensely, particularly after settling into our daily routines and developing a relationship with them. Just about all of these students were spiked academically in some area. Several were incredible readers (although a few of them read in a monotone) and one was quite gifted verbally. I called him my little professor. But on the flip side, handwriting was difficult for all of them and making friends and understanding social nuances were difficult. Working with the parents is often delicate. Who wants to hear that their child is different? Often I am able to elicit their own description of their child which will often include words like "quirky," "unusual," or "concerning." That gives me a place to start.

One of my favorite lines in the book was, "Typical of young people with autism, I didn't bear change with grace." I see this not just with students who have autistic tendencies but with others who are OCD or ODD. I have a 21-year-old son who STILL does not "bear change with grace!"

I am fascinated with this idea of a human "squeeze machine." If studies show that it helps autistic children, then every school should have one or something that gives similar stimulation. I hope more studies will be done on this.

The most powerful thing I got out of this book is the fact that teachers can and do make a difference with autistic students. Not just any teacher, but teachers who believe in their autistic students and approach them with love, creativity, firmness, and patience. Temple Grandin's book is a book of hope for many parents. It also reads as a type of manual for educators who are interested in adding to their "bag of tricks." We can never have enough in our bag!!!

Grandin's first autobiography outlines her story of growing up in an era when autism was poorly understood to become a successful, functioning adult who has contributed extensively to animal studies as well as serving as an advocate for individuals with autism. The memoir is short, less than two hundred pages, and includes her own recounting as well as letters that her mother sent to various specialists, educators, as well as to Grandin. What emerges is the fact that Grandin's life would have been very different if her mother had listened to the specialists who believed Grandin was incorrigible and retarded. Instead, despite (or because of?)her youth (Grandin's mother was only 19 when Grandin was born), she enrolls Grandin in a series of specialty schools and advocates for her daughter when misunderstandings arise. In addition to her mother, Grandin points to several teachers who helped Grandin turn her obsessions into a productive career.

What was most interesting and helpful for me was hearing Grandin's strong voice throughout her story. She's not the most elegant writer. Her sentences are blunt, sometimes choppy, and she occasionally repeats themes or stories more than is necessary, but all of this serves to illuminate exactly what she's talking about when she tries to explain how her brain--and how some other brains that suffer from autism--work. Because of her voice, I could imagine how she perceived the world.

In terms of developing my teaching practice, her concrete examples were also helpful. She describes in detail visual and tactile lessons that helped her grasp concepts or remain interested in school when abstract or verbal presentations did not. I've spent a lot of time thinking over the past few weeks how I can make academic writing more of an object that students can play with rather than a collection of slippery words on a page.

The book is great. it takes you through the personal experience of Temple Grandin and what she went through as a typical autistic child. I came to know how strong autistic children are in spite of the "war" that is going inside them! this makes me relate to my autistic brother's fight against autism. He went through many difficult times and inner fights between what his body is telling him to do & he is expected to do as a "good boy".
Temple's invention of the squeeze machine impressed me! she found a way to make her cope better with the world and to develop her sense of empathy towards people.

Un témoignage important et intéressant raconté de l'intérieur. L'auteur mène aujourd'hui une vie épanouissante et a surmonté en grande partie son handicap. Elle précise d'ailleurs que ce ne sera pas forcément le cas de tous les enfants autistes mais que cela donne un exemple stimulant et enrichissant pour les parents d'enfants autistes et pour les professionnels. Elle explique le déroulement de sa scolarité, ses obsessions, ses réactions et celles des autres face à son autisme. Très complet.

Here in simple and very honest testimony Temple Grandin explains her childhood and her experience of growing up with autism. It is statistically unusual for autistic people to have the requisite insight, reflection and expression to do something like this, which makes this book all the more impressive and interesting. In style it reminds me of My Left Foot - despite the age of the author it retains a clarity and frankness which is often masked with complex rambling as we age. There is no shame in the account: there is no guile. Overall this was very enjoyable and interesting to read and I recommend it highly to everyone.

Temple's story is encouraging and insightful. It is fascinating to get even a small picture of what the thoughts of someone that has autism. There are times the book is difficult to follow: it is apparent that the lines of thought are organized in a way that the author best understands them. It is worth the effort though to follow her writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone that might encounter those that are not neurotypical.

My book club selection for this month was Emergence: Labeled Autistic, by Temple Grandin. I found the book quite interesting and it was a rather quick read. It is written, with help, by an autistic woman who has been able to, in a sense, overcome her disability to make some wonderful discoveries and developments in livestock equipment. While I enjoyed reading the book, what I really found fascinating was our book club discussion on it. Two of the women in our group have autistic children and I felt like I learned so much from them. I think you get a better idea of what someone with autism is experiencing as you read the book. One thing that Temple talks a lot about is how she craved physical touch and contact so much, but at the same time could not handle it when her mother would hug her because she felt out of control. It is inspiring to know that by being allowed to follow her fixation on this cattle holding device she was not only able to help herself, but in turn help many others through her designs.

I've been meaning to read Temple Grandin because I loved Born on a Blue Day and A Curious Incident With the Dog in the Nightime. Emergence was a quick read, but it felt almost like a chore. While the voices in Blue Day and Dog in Nightime were quirky and creative, Temple Grandin is a recovered autistic so that quirkyness that engaged me in the other books wasn't there. It was amazing to read about her life and what helped her along the way but it wasn't as entertaining as I hoped.