Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Autism

by Temple Grandin, Kate Duffy

Who knows better about developing the talents of those with autism than Temple Grandin? This updated and expanded edition of Developing Talents considers the continuing dismal employment statistics for individuals with ASD. The authors take an in-depth look at entrepreneurship and many other options. Using real-life examples, they point out that many of the unique characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum lend themselves well to entrepreneurial ventures. The book explores many unnoticed aspects of vocational rehabilitation programs that provide job training and placement for people with disabilities, as well as Social Security Administration programs that offer vocational assistance. Employment figures and prospects have been updated, and new jobs have been added that are well suited for those on the spectrum.

Genres: Mental Health

300 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Mary Temple Grandin is an American academic and animal behaviorist. She is a prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Grandin is a consultant to the livestock industry, where she offers advice on animal behavior, and is also an autism spokesperson.
Grandin is one of the first autistic people to document the insights she gained from her personal experiences with autism. She is a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.
In 2010, Time 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, named her in the "Heroes" category. She was the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning biographical film Temple Grandin. Grandin has been an outspoken proponent of autism rights and neurodiversity movements.

Reviews

[Jim Faust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Developing Talents is a book I genuinely enjoyed and found deeply insightful. The authors offer practical, thoughtful guidance on how to support individuals as they move from childhood into the high‑school years and then into whatever comes next—whether that’s college, trade school, or the workforce. What stood out to me most is how strongly the book emphasizes working with the individual, not forcing them into a one‑size‑fits‑all path.

Although the book includes strategies for supporting people with special needs—such as those on the autism spectrum—the ideas and principles apply to any young person navigating this stage of life. The advice is universal, compassionate, and grounded in real experience.

As someone who has spent many years both being mentored and mentoring others, I found myself nodding along with the approaches the authors recommend. Their strategies align with what I’ve seen work in real life, and I wholeheartedly support them.

I would absolutely recommend this book to parents, mentors, educators, and anyone who plays a supporting role in a young person’s transition into adulthood—especially those working with individuals with special needs.