meeting Temple Grandin 5.22.14.

On Thursday evening, I had the amazing opportunity to meet my newest hero, Temple Grandin. After Emmett was diagnosed with autism, I started filling the majority of my time reading and watching anything about autism. I knew of Temple Grandin, but didn't know much about her story. I started looking her up on YouTube and bought the movie that was made about her life in 2010.
She truly is an amazing woman. She is the face of autism and gave it a voice. She is the first person WITH autism to actually speak and educate about what it is like to HAVE autism. She has also revolutionized the slaughtering industry, making the slaughter design more calming and humane for the animals involved. It blows me away how, as early as 30 years ago, children with autism were being institutionalized, especially if they were nonverbal! Thanks to Temple Grandin, individuals with autism can live a more functional life and can be more understood. 

 

Her newest book. She's written like 5 others; I need to catch up! 

 

Online photo of Temple Grandin and Claire Danes, who played Temple in the movie about her life.

Claire Danes won an Emmy and a Golden Globe playing Temple Grandin. (online photo)

  Now on to my story! I found out from my mother-in-law on Tuesday that Temple was going to be at the Convention Center on Thursday. Kind of last minute, but we were able to make it work. I got there early because there was limited walk-in space and I really wanted a ticket. Matt dropped me off and waited in the car to make sure I got in before he left me. I was speed walking/jogging all over the Convention Center because I didn't know where to go. I finally found some signs, followed them, and raced up to the registration table. There was room! Sigh of relief. I sent Matt on his way and got right in line to meet her. I was like a giddy little girl peeking around people to stare at her and sneaking photos.

here she is!

Finally, my turn! I had her sign her movie and a photo I printed out of Emmett. I love it so much!

yes, I am wearing my huge geeky glasses.

so amazing!

my treasures

"To Emmett: Different, not Less"

Her presentation, "Thinking In Pictures", was two hours long and I was taking notes the entire time. My hand was so sore afterward! Every word of hers felt like modern revelation! She spoke about autism as a neurological disorder, the biology of someone with autism, her brain vs. a "normal" brain, being a visual thinker, her work in the slaughtering industry, parenting tips, getting your child out into the community, and over-medicating your child. She is also really funny! She made jokes throughout her presentation. I really wish Matt could have been there with me. :( Hopefully, next time.

Temple in action. I was pretty close!

 

(online photo)

Temple Grandin is now well into her 60's. I really want Emmett to meet her when he is a bit older, but I feel like it will need to happen sooner than later. JUST in case....... But I know when he is older, he will appreciate the wonderful message she wrote on his photo hanging in his room. :)

 

you rock, Temple!