-
Essay / Temple Grandin: A woman who used autism to her advantage in the agricultural industry
“I am different, not less. » These simple but extremely influential words were spoken by Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most accomplished and well-known autistic adults in the world. Dr. Grandin grew up in a time when there was much less research and awareness about autism than we currently have access to. Therefore, throughout her life, she faced many challenges and difficulties that were difficult for many to understand; However, Dr. Grandin and those around her learned over time that her differences did not set her back, but rather served to her advantage in many ways, including in her work for the agricultural and food industries, which She has improved greatly with her vast knowledge. and a strong feeling of passion. Dr. Gradin has improved these industries by changing the way cattle are cared for by understanding their behavior, changing breeding practices, and designing equipment that has proven to be more humane and comfortable for the animals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As a young girl in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Temple Grandin was very different from other children of her age. She didn't begin speaking verbally until she was four years old, and it was around this time that she was officially diagnosed with autism. Autism affects each person differently, and although Temple's autism caused a lack of his verbal and auditory skills, it allowed him to think in pictures. In his book Thinking in Pictures, Grandin says: “When someone speaks to me, their words are instantly translated into pictures. Language-based thinkers often find this phenomenon difficult to understand, but in my work designing equipment for the livestock industry, visual thinking is a huge advantage. Through his unique and advanced way of thinking, Grandin was able to connect with animals and imagine life through their eyes, which allowed him to understand their behavior. One of the ways she addresses animal behavior is that autistic people and animals both think associatively. This means that animals act based on past experiences, just like Temple. This discovery made it possible to understand why animals react differently to certain situations depending on the circumstances. Another way Temple was able to understand animal behavior is that fear is the primary emotion of autistic people and prey animals. She said: “Things that frighten horses and cattle also frighten autistic children. Any small thing that seems out of place, like a piece of paper blowing in the wind, can cause fear. Objects that make sudden movements are the scariest. This understanding led her to success in creating equipment and facilities that proved calming and comforting to the animals involved, thereby preventing the feeling of fear. It was also very helpful to Grandin herself when she realized that the calming effect of the "squeeze machines" used to relax livestock in times of stress also worked in the same way for her, providing comfort and a feeling of relief, without having to do it. engage in human contact, which can be very upsetting for autistic people. Early in her career, Temple focused on studying and working to improve breeding practices common in the cattle industry. One of his best-known projects is,