What it feels like to be autistic

Temple Grandin discusses her experience with autism, from not speaking to becoming a renowned author and professor.

[poisonmist]

I’m an autistic adult and I hope you know you’re an inspiration for me Temple. I’ve had a terrible time keeping a job because of lack of awareness of how autism works. It’s great that awareness is finally getting out there.

[childofgod]

It feels lonely and you’re always last, left out and no one understands you or trusts you because they think you’re weird or on drugs. Very frustrating

[rkay]

I'm so happy that she hasn't changed her clothing style. She dresses like she did when she was much younger. And she has the same personality.

[Flufferz]

"I got kicked out of school for throwing a book at a girl"

Preach it girl. I got suspended for chunking an eraser in the face of a boy who was making fun of my nonverbal autistic sister and her classmates. The teacher of the class I did this in actually fought against my punishment lol.

[jeanetteyork]

I want to thank all persons with autism who have spoken out about their condition, especially I thank Dr Grandin. She has made it possible for me to understand my daughter better. My daughter has profound autism and it affects every area of her life. Thank you so much Dr Grandin. The things you do really DO make a difference!!! 💝

[cynthiad]

I feel like a genius when I am alone and I can be myself, but when I am around people who drain my energy I feel like I can't accomplish anything, I just want to be someone important

[lindaashbrook]

Thank God for Temple!!! She has been the bridge to understanding autism! Praise to her mother for teaching her and making sure she was educated!

[RamonaLeigh]

Temple opened my eyes to my daughter's own speech therapy and mainstream school learning challenges. She's graduating high school this year! Thank you Temple!!! ❤️️❤️️❤️️

[SandyCheeks]

“On one end of the spectrum you have half the people in Silicon Valley.” Lmao

[haleym.]

I watched her movie and cried and watched it again

[wyocoloexperience]

Good for you Dr. Grandin, you are a real inspiration to everyone who had a tough childhood, especially during high school. Much love from the great livestock state of Wyoming!

[superrrrliz]

When my son was diagnosed with Autism, and wasn't saying more than a handful of words at 2, and still wasn't talking much by 3, I found out about Temple. I thank her for being who she is and sharing her knowledge. It helped me be more patient, and find other ways to communicate with my son. Now he is almost 4 and talks more than a teenage girl, knows more than me most days, quizzes me on the states and their location on maps, etc.... Thank you Temple, for reminding me to be patient and to always be loving.

[amycollins]

I admire Temple so much. She overcame so many obstacles and came out strong.

[rhydonniamartinez]

I think I’m getting addicted to this lady, my son is 21 he was diagnosed when he was 14 although he wasn’t verbal till he was 3 1/2 years old. He didn’t make friends he wanted to be left alone wouldn’t make eye contact the years I worried and cried because I felt he was locked into a world that I couldn’t get to and I felt I could do nothing to help him, he started to come out of his little world some around age 4-5 years loved to talk about his interest non stop and then by the time he started preschool he still wouldn’t have anything much to do with other kids and they wanted to keep him back in kindergarten because he didn’t make friends I said no he can’t be held back for not making friends. Years go by grades were great but still no friends, time to move on to high school they wanted to give him a buddy to help him find each class and he had a teacher that was a bully so I packed everything and moved 3 hundred miles away to a better school and the first year of school he became class president and made speeches in front of the entire school which made me more nervous than him, he did well also received the national achievement award in English that year and he’s continually kept me on the edge of my seat amazed in him and all that he does seems to shine. Started college and the first two years he thought he wanted to be a doctor but he tells me one day Mom I’ve been thinking I really don’t think being a doctor is my thing I’m more into computers and programs and this year has been his best year yet. He received a letter the other day from the college that he’s on the presidents list of achievements and has between 3.8 -4.0 gpa he made strait A s this semester so I think he’s found his thing.. I couldn’t be more proud of him.. I love my son with everything in me and he has truly been My gift from God he has always made me the proudest mom in this world wouldn’t trade him for anything in this world wouldn’t change anything about him either..

[Bia-ibop]

"That's the kind of stuff that makes me happy -- when I see the things that I do make a difference." Such an inspiration ❤

[randompersoninytcomments]

Man, I hate it when people joke about autism, asperger syndrom, etc. I wish there was more awareness of the damage people could do!

[cdth]

I'm very impressed and have the utmost respect for you. You are an inspiration to many people Temple!

[nrazz]

Temple's style just seems to match her personality. I'm also glad people have been able to hear her amazing story.

[margaretschwahl]

Such a positive role model! You are pure awesomeness Temple!

[brandycoffee]

You have helped me to understand my daughter more. You give me hope. My daughter is 7 and still nonverbal. Keep doing what you do @TempleGrandin