Watch Autism Insiders Temple Grandin

Autism Insider's Temple Grandin is a biographical drama directed by Mick Jackson, which portrays the fascinating story of an autistic woman who revolutionized the treatment of livestock handling facilities. The film stars Claire Danes in the titular role, portraying the real-life animal science professor and autism advocate Temple Grandin.

The film is set in the 1960s when autism was not yet recognized as a specific disorder, and people afflicted with it were often dismissed as crazy, retarded, or emotionally disturbed. Nevertheless, Temple Grandin, despite struggling with overwhelming sensory stimuli and social cues, possesses an exceptional visual and spatial intelligence, which allows her to perceive the world in a unique way.

The film traces Grandin's life from her childhood years, where she is portrayed as a quirky kid who obsesses over her toys and exhibits autistic behaviors like flapping her hands and being overwhelmed by loud noises. Grandin lives in a ranch in Arizona with her mother, aunt, and uncle, who do their best to support her, but they struggle to understand her condition.

Despite her setbacks, Grandin exhibits a remarkable talent for creating detailed and vivid visualizations of her surroundings. In high school, her science teacher recognizes her natural aptitude for science and encourages her to pursue a degree in a related field. She later attends college, where she faces significant challenges in socializing, but manages to graduate with honors.

The movie captures Grandin's lifelong love of animals, which stems from the fact that they provide a source of comfort and understanding. When Grandin witnesses cows being mercilessly treated at a slaughterhouse, she becomes determined to improve their welfare. She starts designing more humane handling facilities that take into account the cattle's unique behaviors, fears, and movements.

Grandin's designs earn recognition and acceptance from the livestock industry, and she becomes a renowned animal science professor and author of several books on animal behavior. The film emphasizes how Grandin's autistic traits, like her vivid imagination and attention to detail, made her a gifted problem solver and helped her revolutionize the cattle industry.

Moreover, the film also showcases the challenges Grandin faced and continues to face as an autistic person. Grandin struggles with sensory overload, social anxiety, and difficulty communicating her needs to others. She is often misunderstood and underestimated by people who don't understand her condition.

Despite her setbacks, Grandin remains dedicated to her work and to advocating for autism awareness. Towards the end of the film, she delivers an inspiring speech about autism, explaining how autism should be viewed as a different way of thinking rather than a mental deficiency.

Autism Insider's Temple Grandin is a remarkable film that sheds light on the life of a truly remarkable person. The movie showcases Grandin's unique genius and the impact of her work on animal welfare. It highlights how autism can be a strength rather than a limitation, and how individuals with autism can contribute immensely to society when given the chance.