Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism Paperback – Illustrated, January 10, 2006

Temple Grandin grew up with Asperger's Syndrome before it was understood by anyone but a handful of researchers. She has turned her insights and special interest in animal science into a successful career designing livestock handling systems. She claims that the image-based thinking of the autism spectrum is similar to the language-free thought processes of animals. This insight leads to interesting conclusions about communication.The book weaves together accounts of Grandin's life and the development of knowledge about autism. Its eleven chapters are organized by autism topics and cover visual thinking, diagnosis, sensory problems, emotion, developing talents, treatments, relationships, connecting with animals, animal thinking, autism and genius, and religion. Temple Grandin provides a clear, readable account of scientific findings supplemented by experiences from her life. This expanded version includes updated information about autism spectrum causes, diagnosis, and treatment that have become available since the book was originally published in 1996.The author is candid about her life's hard-won lessons. She also shares the things which bring her the greatest satisfaction and what these insights may mean for others. A sample:- Her innovative design of a "squeeze machine" to restrain cattle is based on how calming she found gentle pressure as a child.- Temple visualized large transitions in her life as stepping through a doorway--and often found an actual doorway to step through and reduce the stress of change.- One way to get a feel for visual, associational thinking is to play with the Google search engine for images.- Autistic fixations are not always a problem; some people are able to channel them into successful careers.- Early in her career, Temple often made business contacts on the phone so she didn't have to interpret and respond to complex social signals. She believes that phone and internet contact can be useful in more gradual development of social skills.Grandin's blend of research reporting and personal reflection works well. Her book covers the basics of autism, grounded in the author's life. It is both a contrast and a complement to another excellent book, Tony Attwood's The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, which offers a drier and more exhaustive presentation of the same subject. Both are highly recommended for anyone on the autism spectrum or who wants both breadth and depth in their understanding of it.

I saw the author on TED Talk in one of my classes for the University and I work with children that have autsim and it so happen since I started that classes, I found out also that my granson was misdiagnoes and he has autism. I was so pleased by her wisdom and input concerning education in the school concerning this. And what she has accomplished. I gave it to me I brought one and gave it to my Superintendent of the county. I bought one for my great-grandson. I spread it to the young lady who works at a store, I just shared it with a director who works with children who have Autism. I let everyone that I need to share it with too! And they are so happy to hear about her book. If I had the money! I would buy a lot and give it away! But I just when you a medical issue that I have to spend money for that. But I am doing my part by telling those I come in contact with about the author's book. Because there are parents, some teachers, and children who feel they have nothing to offer! I never believed that she is living proof! As far as some teachers yes they loved the children, but during the years, I sometimes saw, that some felt that is far as they going go! And I never believed that!

This is a very interesting book, an eye opener for me. As I was reading it, I reflected back on my own life, and realized that I am very much like Temple. I am an older woman as well. In my time, instead of being labeled as autistic, I was labeled gifted. In first grade though I did not know how to talk and relate with others and my parents were asked to move me to a school for mute children. At home I talked though and my mother tried to help me learn to relate to others. It took a while, as I related far more to plants and animals than people and still do. Also, I am always the first to notice things which can be good if it's danger.On a test in high school that measured ability to visualize for spacial relations, I scored 99.99% for all women and above 98% of all men. Verbal processing was always a chore, however, and social cues were and continue to be learned by hard experience and in some cases remain a mystery in many cases. A class that teaches social norms would be good for kids now since they are not obvious to us picture thinkers. Thank goodness Temple's mother and my own mother found ways to help us flourish. We all have special gifts and weaknesses. The key is to realize your strengths and find work in that direction, plus find ways to help your weaknesses. I would also recommend another of her books, "The Austistic Brain". At the end, it discussed strengths and what types of jobs might be good for each. This is similar to my high school career test.I would definitely recommend this book. Temple's observations helped cattle be processed more humanely. I admit I was a bit squeamish about that part but hearing that she cared about them and found ways to make their time in processing better softened this topic.

Outdated book but still some interesting info to learn.

This is a comprehensive, truthful, description of living a life of struggle and complete acceptance of the brilliant mind of an autistic person.A wonderful read for anyone who has encountered this world of intelligence and self worth!