Emergence: Labeled Autistic by Temple Grandin is a must read for anyone in the autistic community

For Autism Awareness Month, we honor Temple Grandin and Margaret M. Scariano's book Emergence: Labeled Autistic.

Emergence: Labeled Autistic is a must read for the autistic community and anyone else with an interest in autism spectrum disorders.  This classic autobiography of Temple Grandin's experiences as a person with autism chronicles her childhood and early career development.

Temple Grandin worked hard to recover from many of the difficulties associated with autism.  Her insightful and deeply personal autobiography offers hope and respect for people with autism spectrum disorders. 

Today Temple Grandin is an author, lecturer, and advocate on autism spectrum disorders and is widely revered as an expert in the field.

Temple Grandin co-authored Emergence: Labeled Autistic in 1986 when she was in her late 30s.  At that time, she was working on her Ph.D. in Animal Science and was one of the few successful livestock handling equipment designers in the world.  She currently continues to be sought after worldwide for the consultation and design of equipment and to speak professionally about her designs and the humane treatment of animals.

When Temple Grandin was labeled autistic in the 1950s, very little information was known by experts or the public about autism and theraputic interventions.  Temple Grandin's keen intellect played a significant role in her own treatment.  She used her scientific, logical mind to understand and self-diagnose her own difficulties.

Temple Grandin discusses the tremendous significance of her squeeze machine in her treatment.  She utilized her keen visual and spacial abilities to design a machine that replicated one used to calm cattle.  Although the squeeze machine was met with controversy, Temple continued to use it.  She found that it provided stimulation and confinement, thereby relieving her anxiety.  The squeeze machine helped her to receive and give affection.

As an adult, Temple Grandin amazed experts by achieving a successful career and living an independent, productive life.  She explains how she used her fixations to develop a constructive career goal, and she encourages parents and teachers to help children on the autistic spectrum use their unique talents to be successful.  She discusses this topic at length in her book Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism co-authored with Kate Duffy.

Temple Grandin provides advice for living in the real world with autism, and reminds us that no two autistic children are alike.  She advocates for intensive therapy beginning at an early age.

Parents will be comforted to know that in Temple Grandin's opinion, loving people are the most important component of any treatment plan.  She credits her mother, her Aunt Ann, and her teacher Bill Carlock for much of her recovery.

Emergence: Labeled Autistic is available at Los Angeles Barnes and Noble and Borders bookstores and can be ordered directly through Temple Grandin's website or Amazon.com.  It is also available at the Los Angeles Public Library and the Burbank Public Library.

For more information about autism spectrum disorders click here.