Autism, Sensory & Behavior: The Way I See It

by Dr. Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin draws on her own experience to deliver an essential guidebook for guiding and nurturing autistic individuals. She gets to the REAL issues of autistics—the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. Most autistic individuals deal with a variety of sensory differences. Dr. Grandin sheds light on the best ways to adapt and thrive.

In these helpful pages, Dr. Grandin offers do’s and don’ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her insider perspective and extensive research. Interestingly, she argues that individuals on the autism spectrum must focus on their overlooked strengths to foster their unique contributions to the world. She has packed a wealth of knowledge into this book, which serves as an excellent reference resource for the parents, educators and caregivers on how to manage sensory issues.

Topics

• How to deal with sensory overloads, withdrawals and sensitivities

• Learning how to help desensitize individuals to sensory stimulations

• Discovering simple strategies that can have amazing effects

• Best practices for incorporating sensory integration

• And much more!

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Venneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good advice book from one of the more prominent autistic voices about how to approach autism, and how she experiences it. There is a little bit of a boomer "well kids should be held to the stricter standards that I was as a kid" to some of the advice, but she absolutely recognizes that the way she was bought up was a bit stricter.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having a child on the autism spectrum, I usually tune in to any book by Temple Grandin. I was very interested in this one due to the title. Sensory and behavior issues have been things we have worked on for many years.

I think that this book would be good for families with elementary-aged kids, who aren’t brand new to a diagnosis (when it’s maybe an overwhelming time with information overload). Dr. Grandin touches on a lot of different and relevant topics that could direct people to trying a new tactic with their child. And the shorter total length and short chapters is definitely a plus. Autism parents don’t have all the time in the world to slog through reading materials. Since we are 15 years into this, I didn’t get much new information. But, it’s always good to make sure I am keeping up to date on what’s out there so I can do the best for my son.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book.

[Jessica Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

General review: Well written, conversational tone (I hear it in Dr. Grandin’s voice while so was reading it.) It does take until chapter 5 to start focusing on sensory issues; before then, it’s just autism in general. I really appreciate that it is referenced and not just Dr. Grandin’s own thoughts.

More specific: I’m glad she notes early on that there is a lot of overlap between autism and gifted traits. I was actually reading it because I have two gifted children with sensory sensitivities, but they do not have autism. Much of the advice in the book could apply to others with sensory sensitivities, as well. I wish it had focused on sensory issues more throughout the book, instead of just the middle third.

[Ro U]

As a person that is newly learning that I am neurodivergent, and the mother to a neurodivergent child, I feel like this was really helpful as one of the first books I have read on the subject. It did get a bit repetitive as it went on, but the overall I really loved that it focused on help from the perspective of celebrating what people do well, and techniques to do so. I'm definitely going to be implementing some of these techniques with myself and my child.

Thank you Future Horizons and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Adam Parrilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific, informative text for those touched by autism in any aspect of their lives, as well as a reference for folks curious to learn more. Thanks, Temple! One gripe is some of the repetitiveness and rote responses that don’t add much through to the dialogue when repeated in the same book several times.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Autism, Sensory and Behavior" by Temple Grandin is an insightful, compassionate, and deeply informative read. As my first book by Temple Grandin, I was immediately impressed by her ability to explain complex sensory and behavioral aspects of autism with such clarity and empathy. Her practical examples and personal insights make this an invaluable resource for parents, educators, and anyone wanting to better understand autistic individuals.

Temple’s perspective is both educational and empowering — she bridges science and real-life experience beautifully. I finished the book feeling more aware, understanding, and inspired.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing a free advanced copy of this remarkable book in exchange for my honest review.