Distinguished Speaker: Temple Grandin
The Department of Human Development and School Services and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and community sponsors, most notably the La Muñeca Cattle Co., RGV Brahman and F1 Association hosted Dr. Temple Grandin, best-selling author and very accomplished adult with autism. Dr. Grandin visited the Edinburg campus at our Performing Art Center as a distinguish speaker to present My Experiences with Autism and Understanding Cattle Behavior.
She gave a 90-minute talk about her life with autism and how to encourage the skills of those on the autism disorder spectrum (ASD) to achieve a full and productive life.
Dr. Grandin also spoke about her mother and how she played an important part in her life. Her mother was one of the people that encourage her artistic talents and set her on a path of learning and developing social skills. She described autism spectrum as huge and stressed the very importance that early intervention is the key. “We have to start exposing children to many different experiences, as well in broadening their interests as much as possible,” Dr. Grandin said.
Dr. Grandin said (that) there are many different opportunities for people that have autism. There are many places where they can be a part of organizations such as NASA or Google and, also positions in welding, mechanics, and other skilled trade jobs.
The Dean of the College of Education and P-16 Integration, gave the opening introductions. Students and faculty from both campuses attended the presentation. The Dean of the college said, (that) Dr. Grandin’s appearance gave our students the opportunity to meet the person they have read about.