Thinking in Pictures --by Temple Grandin

Nonfiction

206 pages

Footnotes/Endnotes: Yes (endnotes are references)

Illustration: Yes, black & white photos

Suitable for eReaders: Yes

This is the second Temple Grandin book Rainy Day has read, the first being Emergence: Labeled Autistic (see April 2, 2012). Where the first book was more autobiographical, this book talked more about being autistic, and how she thinks in pictures.

She talks about how she is a visual thinker rather than a verbal or word thinker. She thinks in pictures and has to translate the images into words.  Toward the end, she mentions several other scientists who, she thinks, may have been to one degree or another, autistic. Scientists who are/were brilliant in their field, but lacked social skills, and perhaps even skills that today would keep them out of universities.

She discusses autistics and medications, how many autistics come from families with a history of bi-polar disorder, depression, etc. And how many autistics, especially those that are institutionalized, are drugged into stupor and warehoused, rather than being helped.

Temple Grandin holds a high regard for animals, but does not place them on equal status with humans. She understands that in order for one animal to live, another must die, but that the death should be as free of fear and pain as possible. To that end, has designed and continues to design, humane methods of controlling animals for veterinarian procedures to slaughter procedures.

Throughout the years, Rainy Day has read various books on today's educational system and what it lacks, and what it has, and how it might be changed to make it better (Lord knows, it needs some help!). Rainy Day thinks anyone who is interested in our schools and how to make them better should read Dr. Grandin's books. There are different ways of thinking that deserve different ways of teaching, and unlocking the potential of those who think differently. Different is not less, and sometimes, in some ways, it can be more.

Emergence: Labeled Autistic – by Temple Grandin and Margaret M. Scariano

A True Story

180 pages

Footnotes/Endnotes: No

Illustrations: Yes (black and white photos, line drawings)

Suitable for eReaders: Yes

After seeing the movie, Temple Grandin http://rainydaysmovieoftheweek.blogspot.com/2011/12/temple-grandin-my-heroine-and-her.html Rainy Day had to read at least one of her books.

This woman is absolutely amazing. If you have ever known an autistic child, or adult, her book will give you an insight as to what it is like to be one. And seeing the world from their perspective.

Rainy Day cannot imagine what it must be like, but after reading Temple Grandin's book (as well as the YA novel, Marcelo in the Real World), she has a better idea. http://lenoragood.blogspot.com/2012/01/marcelo-in-real-world-by-francisco-x.html

This book is Temple's story of how, with much love and a lot of structure, she was able to emerge from her autistic world. How she learned to face her fears, get an education, and now with a  PhD owns her own business and is a college professor.

Temple Grandin thinks in pictures, not words like most of us think. It's a very unusual way of thinking. As her mother told her, she, and her way of thinking, is different – not less.

Leaving the autistic world for the 'real world' was not easy, and I suspect is still not easy for her to live here, but she has done it, and continues to do it. She travels all over the country and the world giving lectures not only in relation to her business (she designs chutes and machinery for cattle) but she talks about autism to groups of professionals and interested people.

From what I gather in reading her website, http://www.templegrandin.com/ she is a very gracious lady, who takes the time to read and respond to questions.

If you know someone with autism, Rainy Day thinks you should read this book. She also thinks you should check out Temple Grandin's website. If you don't know anyone with autism, Rainy Day thinks you should read this book. You will learn something worthwhile!