By Gordon Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/23/24 – Subject of the HBO biographical film “Temple Grandin,” which scored Emmy and Golden Globe awards, the woman herself made a rare appearance in Thousand Oaks. A tonic, Dr. Grandin is a lifelong advocate for animal rights predominantly, and autism. On the spectrum, the academic and animal behaviorist spoke from the heart recently during her inspiring lecture at California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. Temple Grandin signed copies of her new book “Visual Thinking” before and after her lecture. “Writing is an important part of my career.”
Her message was about empowerment. No matter the genetic cards we are dealt with in this lifetime, some rise above circumstances, and Grandin is one of those inspiring folks. “I had terrible anxiety and it got worse. I was terrified of airplanes and public speaking.”
Little wonder she has won countless awards for her work. Respected and impressive, Grandin also has a cheeky sense of humor.
“I think in pictures. I didn’t know until I was in my 30’s that people thought in words,” she revealed to the enthralled sold-out audience of all ages, from children to seniors.
“I see detail. One pixel wrong, I will notice it,” she said.
Among TV shows on which she’s been featured are “Prime Time” and “20 20.” She said that “20 percent of people I worked with were autistic, dyslexic or had ADHD.” Also, she said, “Vagueness does not work.”
Growing up, “I loved art, sewing and woodworking,” To her, “algebra books” represented a door stop.
“I do 100 sit-ups every night, and I hate everyone one of them. I swim on the floor, but it helps me sleep at night,” she shared. Books she recommends include “Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8.” Grandin said that the late scientist Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs (Apple), and Elon Musk (Tesla, Space X) are “all on the autism spectrum,” she said. Autistic actors are in Broadway’s “How to Dance in Ohio.”
For someone who walked out of her first talk (she was scared), Temple Grandin did a brilliant job at this, her latest one.
www.templegrandin.com
