The Daily Riff - BE SMARTER. ABOUT EDUCATION.

The Temple Grandin story is an incredible one.  Claire Danes gives a brilliant performance.
 
Dr. Temple Grandin, who "thinks in pictures",  is professor at Colorado State University, has authored six books on autism and asperger's syndrome and is a world-wide speaker on autism and yes, the cattle industry.  Intrigued yet?  

Her story, from HBO website:

"Undaunted by education, social and professional roadblocks, Grandin turned her unique talent into a behavioral tool that revolutionized the cattle industry and laid the groundwork for her successful career as an author, lecturer and pioneering advocate for autism and autism spectrum disorder".

"Through mentoring and sheer will a young autistic woman succeeds against the odds."

Link to Grandin's website is here, which features her newest book, The Way I See It and the opportunity to purchase all her books plus 90-minute DVD in a special package.

In addition, HBO has offered a unique coloring book for kids explaining autism so they may better understand it.  Link to the free coloring book here and description about the book from HBO website : 

"All of the illustrations in this book were created by autistic artists through a partnership with the Project Onward initiative. Project Onward supports the creative growth of visual artists with mental and developmental disabilities by providing studio space, art supplies, and
professional guidance to emerging artists in a communal workshop environment.  Through exhibitions and sales of the artists' work, Project All of the illustrations in this book were created by autistic artists through a partnership with the Project Onward initiative."

Watch 2 Minute Trailer Below - Best bet is to click on the word TRAILER left of picture because this version is full screen.

The second video is a fascinating 6 minute interview with Grandin below at the HBO premier where she gives advice to parents of autistic kids - ranging from teachers to behavioral tips.    Also, HBO site with background info link here.


FOR FULL SCREEN, Click on Word TRAILER: