Review: Thinking in Pictures (Expanded, Tie-in Edition)

An extraordinary view into the workings of an autistic mind. Grandin, a professor of animal behavior (Colorado State Univ.) and a world-renowned designer of livestock equipment, attributes her creativity, technical skills, and understanding of animals to the autism that has set her apart from most of human society. Unlike the rest of us, Grandin does not think in words. As she describes it, she has an ever-growing videotape library in her head, which she can manipulate like a computer program, retrieving images from memory, altering them, rotating them, combining them. So different is she that she has always felt like an outside observer, comparing herself to ""an anthropologist on Mars"" (the phrase became the title of Oliver Sacks's recent book, in which he profiled Grandin; Sacks contributes a foreword to this volume). Lacking social intuition and bemused by the emotional range of others, she relies on logic and an elaborate set of rules to guide her behavior. While other humans may be a puzzlement, Grandin has a remarkable empathy for animals, especially cows (the original title for this book was A Cow's Eye View). It was her observation of cattle's reactions in squeeze chutes that led her to design a squeeze machine for herself that she uses daily to calm her anxieties. Besides revealing her own survival techniques, Grandin tries to explain the many subtypes of autism and the various drugs--antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, etc.--that have been used to treat the disorder. Her flat, almost mechanical writing style makes these sections somewhat tedious, but the information in them will be of considerable interest to parents of autistic children. For the general reader, her revelations about herself--growing up, meeting the right teachers, and finding the right career niche--and her insights into animals are what make this account so fascinating. Includes a resource list on autism. The inspiring story of a courageous, dedicated, and most unusual woman.

Temple, thank you! You inspired me in a lot of ways then I ever realized before. I watched the movie that was based on your life and I have to tell you: that was the one thing that inspired me the most when it came to living with Autism. My name is Jessica Ness. I've known I was autistic for eleven years now. I first found out I was autistic when I was ten. Temple, after seeing the movie based on your life and reading about everything you've done in your life already, your story gave me a ton of inspiration. I actually love to write books too! I actually have three novels done and I'm working on a children's book series. Without knowing about you and reading and watching your whole life story, I honestly don't know where I would be right now. I really hope I meet you in person someday. Thank you for everything! You will always inspire me to be all I can be! 

Review: Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism

There is a lot to recommend in Thinking in Pictures. Grandin's unrelenting insistence on the humane treatment of animals is admirable and heartwarming. And her descriptions of how her mind operates ... Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

Temple Grandin is a genius and an inspiration. This personal account of her life and thought is wonderful. Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism

Dr. Grandin is a force and her book brings a whole new way of thinking about creativity. Enjoyed the book. Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

What an education this book has been. Temple Grandin PhD.,leads us into her life with autism, shares her emotions, her complex thought process, her incredible determination and her success in making ... Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

Temple Grandin offers a lot to think about in her memoir of her years as a gifted autistic person. She does an outstanding job of telling us of her life as she matured and educated herself for a ...

Review: Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism

Contains lots of info into classic autism types, however I am very impressed with Temple and her explanation of autism as a continuum which does not leave out those people who can possess the autism ... Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

It is one of the best book available on autism. It makes us to think,how different a person can when he/she starts to think in terms of moving pictures rather than just words.Writing style is direct and simple to read. Read full review

Review: Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

I just couldn't get in to this book, though I greatly admire her accomplishments and appreciate all she has done for the autism community. Read full review