Emergence: Labelled Autistic

It is one thing to hear an expert talk about autism, it is another to hear a person with autism talk about autism. This is one of the reasons that people are drawn to Temple Grandin. She is able to give insight that is so helpful in having a sense of what autism is like.

A good place to start is Temple's book, Emergence: Labelled Autism. While not a full autobiography, Temple shares in this book her experiences growing up with autism. What is helpful in this book is that she describes what she was doing on the outside and at the same time what she was feeling on the inside.

Another thing that I appreciate about the book is that it really represents her personality. If you have seen interviews with Temple, that is very much how she writes this book.

One word of caution. In general, it is not a good idea to apply knowledge of one person with autism on another person as everyone is different. This is especially true for Temple, as she is an exceptional person.

Having said that, I do recommend Emergence: Labelled Autistic.

An Interview With Temple Grandin

Get Temple Grandin's book, The Autistic Brain (USA) (Canada)

Faith, Autism and Taking Things Literally

I have been reading Temple Grandin's Emergence: Labelled Autistic. In one of the chapters, Temple shares about an experience in chapel at the boarding school she attended as a child. I will share a portion here to give you some insight in the challenges of communicating spiritual truths to people with autism.

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." The minister stepped out from behind the lecturn and stood in front of the congregation. He said, "Before each of you there is a door opening into heaven. Open it and be saved." He turned and walked back to the lecturn. "Hymn 306, 'Bless This House.'"

I barely heard the hymn number. Like many autistic children, everything was literal to me. My mind centered on one thing. Door. A door opening to heaven. A door through which I could pass and be saved! The voices sang out and when I heard the words, "Bless this door that it may prove/Ever open to joy and love," I knew I had to find that door.

For the next few days I viewed each door as a possible opening to love and joy. The closet door, the bathroom door, the front door, the stable door-all were scrutinized and rejected as the door. 

I share all this to say that much care must be used in sharing spiritual concepts with those who tend to take things literally.

Temple Grandin: A Special Breed of Hero

Source: Masters-in-Special-Education.com

Temple Grandin on Her Experience With Autism

Temple Grandin on Autism

It is always good to hear Temple Grandin's thoughts on autism. In many ways she is a window into autism that many cannot express.