Disability Scoop: HBO’s ‘Temple Grandin’ Offers Inside Look At Autism
When Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at age three
, a doctor recommended she be placed in an institution. Instead, Grandin grew up to be a world-renowned expert on the handling of livestock and arguably the most famous person with autism in the world. (HBO/Van Redin: Image Courtesy Temple Grandin)
See the trailer of the new film called “Temple Grandin” starring Claire Danes premiering Feb. 6 on HBO.
Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She is the author of six books including Thinking with Pictures.
Now the story of Grandin’s journey from struggling toddler to sought after Ph.D. and autism activist is the subject of a new film called “Temple Grandin” starring Claire Danes premiering Feb. 6 on HBO.
Ahead of the premiere, Grandin, 62, spoke with Disability Scoop about the film and her life with autism at http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/02/temple-grandin/6833/
Disability Scoop: What was it like growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s with autism?
Temple Grandin: It was mostly terrible because they were diagnosing kids as mentally retarded and putting them in institutions. When I was 2 and 3-years-old, I had no speech. I had lots of tantruming, really severe autistic symptoms. Fortunately, the very first doctor that my mother took me to referred her to a little speech therapy school that two teachers ran out of their house. It was as good as any ABA program today.
Read the article and complete interview Disability Scoop.
I saw this movie and I cried and applauded, too. It give me hope that some day the world will recognize the accomplishments of autistic and special needs kids. I made my 14yo sit and watch this movie as he has autism, PDD-NOS. We have come a long way in the challenges we have had. He’s making progress everyday and I thank God everyday for the energyHE gives me to get through. HBO should be commended for their efforts to educate the public on this subject and painting a positive side to this disability. Temple if you read these blogs, I applaud U and tell U, THANK U for your insight to the inner workings of autism and for the courage to overcome its effects. May B someday with folks like U in our corner we might b able to find a cure or even a way to successfully teach the public tolerance and appreciation. Thanks Temple again.
Once again, Hollywood has failed to give a comprehensive view of autism spectrum. Thankfully, You Tube videos like, “autism spectrum seems out of control” and ‘autism epidemic out of control” shed new light into the pervasive misuse and abuse of the word autism and how it hurts families raising truly autistic children..that said, Temple Grandin is a marvelous woman, but was never really autistic, she’s severe Aspergers, OCD, etc…on psych meds…
I felt that the movie was very well done & encourage others to watch it.
I have added HBO to my cable service just for this show.
I love stories of Extra ordinary people who thrive in a world where ordinary people make the rules and limitations.
Temple Grandin’s story is an inspiration for anyone dealing with a learning disability. It speaks volumes about the power that parents and teachers have on the successful outcomes of children with learning issues. I have also enjoyed reading Temple Grandin’s books. Thanks for this post!!
Tess http://primarilyinattentiveadd.com
Read her book, is incredible. Saw her speak in SC, she is a fabulous lady and has a fantastic story to tell!