Temple Grandin in Bozeman, Montana: Pioneer for animals and autism

Temple Grandin http://www.templegrandin.com/ is something of a rock star, thanks to the unlikely combination of her autism and Hollywood’s magic.

Grandin, 65, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, came to Bozeman on Tuesday to talk with students and the public about her work in making the treatment of livestock more humane and about autism.

It’s important that autistic children learn to talk, she said. If a child isn’t talking by age 3, they need therapy 20 hours a week. Parents should find what their children are good at and develop those strengths. She was always good at art.

"I’m a totally visual thinker," Grandin said. She thinks in concrete images and specifics, not vague concepts. "Give me a keyword. I’m like Google. I work just like Google."

It’s crucial, she said, that autistic kids learn basic social skills, especially manners, how to shake hands and how to work at a job every day. She had many jobs growing up, including sewing, cleaning horse stalls and carpentry.

GAIL SCHONTZLER, Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/dailyfeatures/article_41941940-85f8-11e2-8cf1-0019bb2963f4.html