Autism in Life in Pictures by Temple Grandin Essay

Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized by a dyad of difficulties in a) communication and social interaction and b) restricted interests and imagination (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand what other people think or what the reasons for their behaviours are, as their ‘theory of mind’ may not be well developed (Schuwerk, Vuori & Sodian, 2015). It is possible that this is why they might behave in socially inappropriate ways, being unable to differentiate between different contexts, while they might also find it difficult to make friends. Moreover, it is likely that they are fond of routines, repetition and structure (Carnahan, Musti-Rao, & Bailey, 2009), as they might be nervous with unknown, new situations. In addition, some of them might not do eye contact with other people, whereas some others might not endure to be touched and might have a difficulty developing speech (Jordan, 2005). Individuals on the Autism Spectrum might sometimes be prohibited to initiate conversations and might struggle with finding different ways to play and behave, due to the possible deficit of imagination, which in some cases might result in them having a narrow sphere of interests. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this group of people is rather heterogeneous, as characteristics of autism may differ from one individual to another (Gwynette, 2013). Another point is that people with Autism

In Thinking in Pictures, Temple Grandin describes autism from the perspective of an engineer, animal enthusiast, scientist, and autistic activist. By providing a balanced discussion of the disorder’s deficits and abilities, her autism is portrayed in a refreshingly positive light. Grandin highlights the special heightened abilities that people with autism possess and repeatedly emphasizes the importance of cultivating skills and channeling interests. When discussing deficits, Grandin does not only state which symptoms people with autism may experience, but goes further to explain why these behaviors manifest. She provides readers with a neurological basis for nearly every behavior, from public tantrums and lack of empathy to avoiding eye contact and fearing change. Grandin tactfully defines, describes, and in a sense, justifies, all the seemingly strange behaviors that people with autism may exhibit, which consequentially helps to reduce the stigmatization of autism. Furthermore, she maintains the hopeful

Based on the case study, Sara has many elements and character traits that can identify with her diagnosis of autism. I do strongly believe Sara diagnosis is appropriate and in line with IDEA definition and the revised criteria for ASD in the DSM-5.

Temple Grandin’s autobiographical book, Thinking in Pictures, opened the door that revealed the true aspects of autism. The author, who is an autistic woman, portrayed autism not as a complicated developmental disorder but as a unique characteristic that is a compliment to society. To break apart from society’s stereotype on autistic individuals, Temple focused her book on issues such as how her disorder was initially misdiagnosed, her issues with learning acceptable behavior and social cues, her connection with animal minds, sensory sensitivities, and explored the possible treatments with medication.

Autism is a rare disease that can be characterized by a “neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by the inability to relate to and perceive the environment in the realistic manner.” (Anthes, 1997) The signs of autism are mainly found in infants to young children usually between the ages of newborn to two years. The main symptoms that are discussed are “impairment in social interaction fixation of inanimate objects, inability to communicate normally, and resistance to changes in their daily routine.” (Anthes, 1997) Autism is a very understood disease but one thing most people do not know is that autism not only effects a child’s life mentally and physically, it also effects their social ability to have friends, play normally and even grow up

According to Kids Health (2014), “children with Autism have difference in the way their brains develop and process information”. For example, “language delay, trouble communicating with their brains, perform certain unusual or repetitive behaviors, or have difficulties learning in school” (p. 1).

References Altern, J. (2006). Abnormally High Plasma Levels of Vitamin 6 in Children with Autism Not Taking Supplements Compared to Controls not Taking Supplements. US National Library of Medicine. National Institute of Health. Complement Med, 12 (1), 59-63.

Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism was written by Temple Grandin and originally published in 1995 in New York by Doubleday. The edition that I purchased was published in 2010 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. This book was written as an autobiography about Grandin’s life as an autistic child and adult. It also includes general information about autism, reference based medical information, effects and symptoms of autism, and possible treatment plans. In this expanded addition, Grandin included updates after every chapter that provides up-to-date information on research, medications, and Asperger’s syndrome.

Temple Grandin is an inspiration to all. Autism spectrum disorders are caused by abnormalities in the brain that affect the neurodevelopmental system. Temple tells in her interviews that she is an autistic who thinks in pictures. I tried doing this for a couple hours before writing this paper. I am sure that it is not confusing to Temple, but I would invite anyone to try it who is not autistic.

I believe many of us would assume that everyone thinks in the same way as ourselves. We think in words and ideas. We are “verbal thinkers.” However, do you ever thought about people who might think differently than you? Not everyone is a verbal thinker or a conventional thinker. If you don’t have autism, you may have thought those who do are different or maybe even “strange.” In her speech, The world needs all kinds of minds; Temple Grandin, a woman with autism, discusses how people with autism think differently than others. She says that she “thinks in pictures” and that many others with autism also think this way. She also explain how it differs from the conventional sense of thinking. She gives personal experiences throughout her speech. She is able to tell of how she overcame some of the cons that is sometimes associated with autism. Grandin’s main argument is that individuals with autism should be encouraged to branch out and should not be confined where they don’t feel comfortable. They should not be forced to act the same as others but to be who they are. She advocates that they are individuals and they should be treated as such.

Autism is a disorder that has to do with developmental issues that lead to communication and interaction impairments.Fifty years ago people would be clueless as to how to help people with Autism, fortunately medical technology has improved greatly since then and we are much more successful at understanding and treating Autism. Although a cure has not been found for Autism yet scientists are still working 24/7 to make this happen. In the meanwhile, it would greatly benefit us all to have some essential information about it so that if one ever does come to meet a person with Autism he or she can be respectful and helpful. Autism Spectrum Disorders are difficult to live with and around but with proper knowledge of the neurological disorder life can be made easier for everyone.

In 1943, Leo Kanner observed a small group of children with a condition he called Infantile Autism, launching the scientific study of autism. There were few studies about autism through the 1960s, but “behavioral research began demonstrating that children with autism were capable of learning, if taught systematically and intensively using operant learning methods” (Thompson, 2013). Through the 1970s and

According to the CDC, autism is “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges (Facts About Autism, 2016)”. Autism was first discussed in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, after he observed 11 children who had fixations on the inanimate environment rather than people (Quick Facts About Autism). It affects about one percent of the population, and is

     Autism is a neurological disorder that was identified by Dr. Leo Kanner 50 years ago. Autism can affect someone very mildly or severally and it can effect language, communication, and/or gross motor skills. It is the most devastating disorder a child could have and it also is devastating for the family. There is no medicine and no cure for autism but there are glutton free diets that help.

Before watching Temple Grandin, I only knew of the little details that we had discussed in class, and hearing stories of parents whom I know that have a child with autism. In my mind autism was something “small’, only knowing a little less than a handful of people that have autism or have children or family members with autism. With my little knowledge of the prominent disorder , the image of autism were ones of those which I had heard stories, such as little to no speaking, continuous routines, limited relationships, and anger. To me this was the “definition” of autism.