Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
Temple GrandinRead
I've always thought of myself as a cattle-handling specialist, a college professor first; autism is secondary.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Temple Grandin highlights her professional identity as an educator and cattle-handling expert, suggesting that her autism is just one aspect of her identity.
In this quote, Temple Grandin emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself through the lens of one's skills and contributions rather than solely through a diagnosis. By identifying herself first as a cattle-handling specialist and a college professor, she reveals her belief that one's identity should not be limited by societal labels, and that achievements and expertise take precedence over challenges posed by autism.
Themes
AutismIdentityEducationProfessionSelf-Perception
In practice
Example use cases
In a keynote speech about overcoming challenges.
More from Temple Grandin
All quotes →Language just gradually came in, one or two stressed words a time. Before then, I would just scream. I couldn't talk. I couldn't get my words out. So the only way I could tell someone what I wanted was to scream. If I didn't want to wear a hat, the only way I knew to communicate was screaming and throwing it on the floor.
Temple GrandinRead
If you have a 2 or 3 year old who is not talking, you must start an early intervention program. The worst thing you can do with an autistic 3 year old is to do nothing.
Temple GrandinRead
I strongly recommend that students with autism get involved in special interest clubs in some of the areas they naturally excel at. Being with people who share your interests makes socializing easier.
Temple GrandinRead
What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.
Temple GrandinRead
I don’t want my thoughts to die with me, I want to have done something. I’m not interested in power, or piles of money. I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution - know that my life has meaning.
Temple GrandinRead
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