Opening Doors: My Personal Perspective on Autism

Dr. Temple Grandin is an esteemed professor at Colorado State University, author, and autism advocate. Born in 1947 with autism, she overcame challenges which led her to become a prominent leader of autism awareness and she shares her personal experiences in order to foster understanding and support.

"As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise nationally, Dr. Grandin is sharing her message about the disorder and “differently-abled brains” with packed houses. At the heart of that message is this: Rigid academic and social expectations could wind up stifling a mind that, while it might struggle to conjugate a verb, could one day take us to distant stars."

Dr. Grandin will share her personal perspectives on the things that helped her and how to provide opportunities for those with “differently abled” brains. The keynote presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

More about Dr. Temple Grandin: Dr. Grandin grew up having a profound connection to animals, and later in life she earned her Ph.D. in animal science. Today, she has a successful career revolutionizing livestock handling systems, emphasizing animal welfare and her innovative designs are implemented worldwide. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio) and a BBC Special – "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow". She has also appeared on National TV shows such as Larry King Live, 20/20, Sixty Minutes, Fox and Friends, and she has a 2010 TED talk. HBO made an Emmy Award winning movie about her life and she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2016. Her unwavering dedication and unique perspective have made her an inspirational figure, transforming lives and perceptions of many.

Read more on Dr. Temple Grandin's Website: https://www.templegrandin.com/

SPECIAL MOVIE NIGHT EVENT!

THURSDAY, Oct 12th

7:30 - 9:00 pm

Private Screening for OTAC Conference Attendees Only!

1.5 contact hours (Ticketed event)

Temple Grandin Documentary - An Open Door

"An Open Door is the forthcoming documentary that reflects on the influential life and work of Dr. Temple Grandin as a champion of the humane treatment of livestock, autism rights, and inclusive neurodiversity by employing her gifted insights from her personal experience with autism and visual thinking. The film speaks with Dr. Grandin, her colleagues, industry professionals and those she has influenced to celebrate her groundbreaking life, lessons learned and lasting legacy. An Open Door is directed by award-winning filmmaker John Barnhardt and presented by Colorado State University."

Click here to watch the trailer!