Temple Grandin on Autism as an Asset - Jan 4, 2014

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Link to NPR interview with Temple Grandin: Can Autism Be An Asset?

Please, listen to the interview, think about it, and listen to it again. Temple Grandin gives an inspiring speech toward the end about where our life's focus should be.

(Sorry, no transcript available.)

I listened to this earlier today. Was quickly grabbing for my pen to write down quotes in my sketchbook. It is succinct and forceful and really helpful to me as a visual thinker. It was a tonic of the best sort at the beginning of the new year, at least imho.

Toward the end, she says something like, "Don't tell me about your Autism; Tell me about what interests you".

I think she may be trying to say that too many of us tend to focus on our Autism and the limitations it imposes, instead of focusing on the hidden benefits that Autism provides.

My interests are in science, science-fiction and engineering. I am able to obsessively tackle difficult engineering problems and find reliable, workable solutions to them. I've received four calls just today from other professionals asking for advice and explanations of networks, systems analysis, and the operating principles of specialized test equipment.

Yes ... and I get paid for it, too!

Oh, yes ... I DO get paid!

You are sending the same message, in your own way.

This was great thank you for sharing.

I think that a bit of an understatement. If it was not for aspies tendencies groups of stone age NT's would still be chasing antelope on some savanna. Still I think it's a synergistic relationship of neurodivesity.