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Temple Grandin inspires Eastern Iowans
Hundreds filled the University of Iowa Memorial Union on Wednesday to hear an accomplished scientist and animal welfare advocate who lives with autism.
Autism can affect how people learn, speak and interact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say one in 88 children has autism.
Temple Grandin spoke to a full house at the IMU Wednesday night. When the chairs ran out, attendees began standing at the back of the auditorium.
"She has written a lot of books, really driven home that you have to have early intervention and that there is hope," said Shelly Meier, the parent of an autistic child.
"She is a face and voice for the autism community," added Adam Wright, a Cedar Rapids resident who was diagnosed with autism in the 1980s.
Grandin was diagnosed with autism in 1950, a time when many thought autistic people couldn't be productive citizens. She proved them wrong. Grandin is a best-selling author, Colorado State University professor, and HBO made an award-winning film about her life.
"I identify myself as being an animal science college professor first, and autistic second," said Grandin.
Grandin earned a doctorate in Animal Science and developed a scoring system for handling cattle and pigs that many meat processors use today. Her example inspired parents who aren't sure what the future holds for their children with autism.
"Well it changes your whole life, you appreciate little things a lot more," Meier said.
For many, Grandin represents hope for a better future. She believes autistic kids can succeed, with some extra work.
"You got a lot of kids who are kind of quirky and different and they need to be developing their strengths, because who do you think developed the first stone spear? It wasn't social people. It was probably someone with mild autism," said Grandin.
Wright agreed with Grandin. He said he believes that bringing awareness and pushing boundaries can create better lives for those who have it.
"There is hope, yes your child can do the things that are possible in the world," said Wright.
Grandin's speech was presented by the University of Iowa Lectures Committee. If you would like to check out upcoming lectures you can go here:
http://lectures.uiowa.edu/lectures/ If you would like more information about Grandin you can visit here:
Temple Grandin signs one of her books Wednesday night before speaking to hundreds of people at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City. Grandin is very well known in the autism community having been diagnosed at a very young age. The 64 year-old Grandin's lecture touched on autism and animal behavior, which she has made into a career by designing livestock handling equipment and facilities. Her story was made into an HBO movie in 2010. (Randy Dircks(The Gazette)
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