Mary W. Carpenter

Reading an amazing book like this, makes me much more motivated to work harder with my students, because they might all be Temple Grandin in the making. This book mentions the story of a girl who was diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorder. Her behavior is very similar to the ones of my students which made the book much more engaging to me. People who suffer from this disorder view the world in a very different way. Temple would get mad for any small change such as new curtains. However, her mother believed in her which helped her achieve many great things. Her love, care and passion for animals, helped her excel in inventing machinery that are more humane in nature. My favorite line in this book is in her mother’s diary “When she is bored or tired, Temple spits or takes off her shoes and throw them…I must say though that even on her worst days, she is intelligent and exciting.”… (más)

Temple Grandin, a young girl with autism, had a rough start in life as a child. Doctors were unable to diagnose her properly until she was five years old, when they discovered she had autism. Unfortunately, the exceptionality made life much harder on Temple and her family. Temple often struggled with everyday life. It wasn't until third grade that Temple began to clearly understand words. It took even longer for her to learn to read. Temple also struggled with sights and sounds. A simple hug or a loud noise could provoke a tantrum. Temple's anxiety caused her much distress.
Over the years, Temple's anxiety got her into much trouble in school, but that didn't keep her from being successful. When Temple set her mind to something, she would not give up until she accomplished what she was aiming for.
When Temple went to live with her aunt, she found a new obsession, cows. Temple was able to relate to the cows and their anxiety. This obsession then led to a new idea for a squeeze machine she had dreamed of inventing for herself. The squeeze machine would be used to calm her nerves when Temple felt anxiety.
Temple worked on her invention during her college years. She also taught herself how to design blueprints. Eventually, Temple was successfully able to create a squeeze machine that helped children with autism, as well as a squeeze chute for cows. Her inventions were a huge success. Temple became the "foremost designer of humane animal facilities in the U.S." Temple also traveled the world to lecture about humane designs for livestock and autism. Temple's determination and success have been a huge inspiration to people around the world.
This book is very informational even though I found it to be a bit odd. It also provides an inspiration for children with autism. Although a child may have an exceptionality, that does not mean they can't be successful. Temple has proven that dreams can be achieved if you set your mind to it.… (más)