Temple Grandin was born in Boston in 1947. When she was a child, she did not speak until she was almost four years old. She was diagnosed with autism, a condition that affects how a person communicates and relates to others. At the time, little was understood about autism, and many people believed that children like Temple could not succeed. However, Temple’s mother was determined to give her daughter every opportunity. Temple struggled in school, especially with social situations, but she excelled in subjects like science and math. She had a unique ability to think visually—she could imagine complex systems and machines in her mind. As a teenager, Temple became interested in animals and how they are treated on farms. She noticed that animals often became stressed in loud or confusing environments. Using her visual thinking skills, she invented more humane systems for handling cattle, which are now used around the world. Temple went on to earn a PhD in animal science and became a professor at Colorado State University. She has written many books and gives talks about autism and animal behavior. Temple is a passionate advocate for people with autism, encouraging society to value different ways of thinking. Her life’s work has helped both people and animals. Temple Grandin’s story shows that challenges can become strengths, and that thinking differently can change the world.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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diagnose
To identify a disease or condition by examining someone’s symptoms."She was diagnosed with autism as a young child."
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autism
A developmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others."Autism can affect people in different ways."
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relate
To understand or have a connection with others."She had difficulty relating to other children."
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determined
Having a strong desire to do something, even when it is difficult."Her mother was determined to help her succeed."
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excel
To do very well or be outstanding at something."Temple excelled in science and math."
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unique
Being the only one of its kind; special and different from others."She had a unique way of thinking."
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visual
Related to seeing or sight."Temple was a visual thinker."
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humane
Kind and gentle, especially to animals or people who are suffering."She invented humane systems for cattle."
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system
A set of connected things or parts working together for a purpose."She designed systems used on farms."
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cattle
Large animals like cows and bulls, often kept on farms."Her inventions improved the lives of cattle."
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professor
A teacher of the highest rank in a college or university."She became a professor at Colorado State University."
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advocate
A person who supports or argues for a cause or group."She is a passionate advocate for people with autism."
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encourage
To give someone hope or confidence; to support them in doing something."She encourages society to value different thinkers."
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challenge
Something that is difficult and requires effort to overcome."Temple turned challenges into strengths."
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strength
A quality that helps someone deal with problems; a strong point."Her different thinking became her greatest strength."
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- What condition was Temple Grandin diagnosed with as a child?
- How did Temple’s way of thinking help her as an inventor?
- What did Temple notice about animals on farms?
- How did she change the treatment of cattle?
- What does Temple Grandin advocate for?
- What lesson can people learn from Temple’s story?