Dr. Temple Grandin’s visit to CMU unlike any otherÂ
Albert Einstein, Michelangelo, Nikola Tesla, Mozart and Issac Newton each approached the world with a unique curiosity. Relentlessly pursuing knowledge and beauty that have had lasting impacts on humanity. They also were all on the autism spectrum.
Renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate Temple Grandin, PhD, recently visited CMU. During her time, she connected with CMU Tech Veterinarian Technology Program students, spent time with President John Marshall, guided the Rodeo Team and Rowdy Wranglers through humane animal handling and wrapped her visit with two impactful talks on her personal story of autism and the power of good stockmanship.
Grandin didn’t speak until she was four and was later kicked out of her high school for throwing a book at a girl’s head that called her a “retard.” She has contended with anxiety and societal norms for 77 years. But she learned to use her differences and has become an inventor of mechanical equipment, photographer, welder, electrician, artist, educator and speaker.
When Grandin spoke to about 800 attendees during her “My Experience with Autism” talk she homed in on the fact that people think differently — a fact she didn’t realize until her 30s. Grandin is an object visualizer, who thinks in photo realistic pictures. There are those that are spatial visualizers who think in patterns and those who are verbal mind thinkers.
“It feels like both as educators and as parents, we have a lot to learn from this idea of different kinds of minds,” said CMU President John Marshall.
She is a staunch advocate of our world needing people who think in different ways and that the “autism label” can often hold people back from achieving their full potential. She said that early intervention and lifelong support are necessary as well as focusing on what people on the autism spectrum can do rather than focusing on what they can’t do.
“We need the skills of people who think differently,” Grandin said.
Her second talk focused on “The Importance of Good Stockmanship.” She used the way that her brain processed information differently to make a real impact on the humane treatment of livestock. Her earliest papers were in the 1980s and since then she has published numerous papers and books that have had profound effects on the industry. She also engineered and invented equipment that is used to humanely treat half of the cattle in North America.
Earlier in the day, Grandin spent time with CMU Tech Vet Tech students at the Palmer Ranch in Fruita. The Palmer Ranch is a partner of the Vet Tech Program and offers hands-on experiences for students in the program. Grandin walked the students through the cattle chute, describing how cattle see it and react to it.
“It was powerful for them (students) to see her in action in a smaller group,” said CMU Tech Veterinarian Technolgy Program Director and Instructor Dr. Anneke Moresco.
Moresco is who invited Grandin to come visit CMU. During Moresco’s time in vet school, she saw Grandin speak and knew that it would be a rewarding experience for her students and the community.
“It was satisfying to see so many people got so much out of it,” she said when referring to the 800 people who attend Grandin’s talks. “Different not less is such a valuable concept to have when you are dealing with people.”
Grandin’s time with the Rodeo Team and Rowdy Wranglers at their facility was equally as meaningful. She pulled up a chair in the sunshine and the student-athletes found anything they could sit on as they sat raptured in what Grandin was saying.
“The thing that really strikes me about Temple is her ability to give you wisdom,” said Head Rodeo Coach Branden Edwards. “We all know college kids' attention can waiver, but they were genuine in their questions and receptive to her answers.”
Grandin’s directness and no fluff approach held the students’ attention as they discussed a variety of topics including sustainable energy sources, integrating different thinkers into your business, electric cars, plane crashes and combating the negative perceptions of the cattle and agriculture industry.
“Obviously her brain works different,” said Edwards. “She is a master at taking in information and giving it back to people in a way that’s understandable. That is a skill that is every educator's dream.”
Grandin’s curiosity and resilience, as well as important mentors like her mother and former teachers, have guided her in life — allowing her to use her differences to make a positive effect in her community, state and country. She is the true embodiment of Maverick spirit.
Watch her talks “My Experience with Autism” and “The Importance of Good Stockmanship.”