This week we began watching "Temple Grandin" in our class. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am! I knew Temple's story- in college we watched a lot of videos and read a lot of articles about her, but seeing her life up on the screen is so interesting to me! I can't wait to get back into it next week.
Many of you have said that while watching the movie you saw somethings that Temple would do or say that reminded you of our peers. I agree! I also see a lot of my previous students in her as well. Are they completely alike? No! Remember, one kid with autism is one kid with autism. Just because there is a similarity in behavior does not mean that the behavior is being caused by the same thing, or that it will lead to the same thing.
For example, Temple created her "squeeze machine" in order to sooth her anxieties. Those of you who have been in the sensory room, or in my room, you see one of our peers who needs a lot of "squeezes". This reminds me of Temple, but I also know that our peer might not need those squeezes for the same reason as Temple. Another example would be when Temple was able to feel for and understand the animals. One of our peers has a dog that he loves at home. He responds and cares for the dog very well. But that does not mean that he has the same kind of "understanding" for the dog as Temple does for the cows and horses (Or maybe he does and we just do not know it!). I hope this makes sense.
For your homework this week I have two things for you to do. First, respond to this blog post and tell me what your favorite part of the movie has been so far. Second, read this interview by Temple Grandin. It was done soon after the movie came out. I like this article because it is an interview, therefore you read Temple's actual words. I enjoy reading/seeing how she responds to questions. She is a very interesting lady!
After reading this interview, respond to me in a Google Doc with 5 questions that you would have for Temple Grandin. This can be about what she does, about autism, about her life, anything! Hopefully I can find some of these answers for you, or they can be answered in the video next week.
Have a wonderful week, everyone! Noah, good luck down in Florida! We will miss you!
-Mrs. VanLaan