Autism and Education: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

by Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin discusses the real issues that parents, teachers, and kids face every day. Here is a concise handbook that illustrates what Temple has found to work in the field of education. Topics 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 education for kids on the autism spectrum must focus on their overlooked strengths to foster their unique contributions to the world. As Publisher's Weekly has noted "For educators or parents of autistic children, this will be a valuable resource."

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Mental Health

120 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

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

[Adam Solorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her books do not disappoint. This was full of great information and helpful guidelines for educating children with ASD.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Autism & Education: The Way I See It" by Dr. Temple Grandin is a must-read for all educators and parents of individuals with autism. It is insightful and also accessible, making it ideal for busy educators and parents. With clear, easy-to-understand language and explanations, this book can be easily digested in less than three hours. Dr. Grandin's concise writing style ensures that readers can quickly grasp essential concepts and apply them effectively in educational and home settings.

It’s imperative for success that we listen when a child tells us who they are or what they need. This level of understanding has great value when accommodating differences. This book provides invaluable insights, practical advice, and oodles of resources for creating supportive environments that foster growth and success for individuals with autism.

I highly recommended this book for its empowering perspective and actionable strategies. Don't miss out on this short yet impactful read packed with practical wisdom and guidance.

[Mary Argetsvell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and insightful read about autism and education aimed primarily at young children's development. As a teacher this was helpful as it gave advice from the perspective of an individual with autism about approaching learning and thinking patterns in children with ASD. I wish there had been more examples though I appreciate how this was a "bite-sized" read.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so much love and respect for Temple Grandin and what she puts out there for the autism community.

This book was a quick read and in non-medical language that parents can digest and take action on.

Thank you for helping parents of autistic find the best ways to support our children. I can’t say to buy a copy of this one!

Thank you to Temple Grandin, Edelweiss, and Future Horizons for the ARC in exchange for my review.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Edelweiss for a arc of this book. I haven’t read many teaching books but as an aspiring teacher I found this book to be very informative. This author also gives resources to other books that she has written and read about autism. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author. I great teaching book.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

research for autistic book characters

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autism and Education: The Way I See It: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know by Temple Grandin (Future Horizons 2023) (371.94) (3919).

I appreciate Temple Grandin, and I love what she stands for. She makes no bones about what she represents: a high functioning example of what someone on the autism spectrum can achieve when afforded the right support and training.

This is a guide written by an autistic author and educator specifically for the parents and educators of autistic kids. Grandin stresses that repetitive teaching is the single most important component with which to stretch, to challenge, and to teach the autistic learner. When I say that Grandin “stresses” the necessity of repetitive teaching to autistic students, it would be more correct to say that she harps incessantly (or at least in every chapter) on this fact, which precisely proves her point: repetitive teaching is how autistic learners learn - as well as being how they apparently teach as well.

Who would benefit by reading this book? Given the author’s unique perspective, everything she has written should be required reading for ALL parents and teachers, but most particularly parents and teachers of autistic individuals.

My rating: 7/10, finished 3/22/24 (3919).

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autism seems more prevalent than when I was a child. It may be because they redefined autism in the DSM-5. Celebrities with children on the autism spectrum also served to shine a spotlight on the situation. Autism & Education is a book by Dr. Temple Grandin.

I got this book from my local library. The cover has an image of an apple on it, and it contrasts the black background with a shot of red. I am not on the autism spectrum, but that does not mean I can not read about it. How boring would life be if you could only read about people and situations that were exactly like you? Reading is about expanding your horizons.

Grandin has high-functioning autism. I vaguely recall hearing about her. She spends the book providing tips and tricks to perform well in a school setting. Some of the solutions are ingenious, and many others are manageable. For example, it helps to catch it as early as possible. If you have trouble getting ready in the morning, set your clothes out the night before.

Grandin fills the book with references to scholarly works on autism and education.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[John Hammond]

It was a quick read. It’s aimed mostly at educating young kids and the structures for helping them.

There were good quotes and her personal anecdotes are helpful for looking to a model of success. But she’s also a lady who went to school in the 50s, so there’s a good deal of “harrumph harrumph” about school and technology these days.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read. With each chapter, I was left wanting more. She lists a lot of websites, books, and articles for further reading, which is helpful, but I just wanted more examples, more ideas, more of everything that I could use when I work with students with autism.

[Stacy Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short book with tons of resources listed at each section. It validated what I’m doing for my kids, and gave me perspectives I very much need as each of them grow up with neurodivergent brains.

[Kendra Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐️

This book contained some good quotes, facts, and resources! Grandin is clearly an expert in the field.

However, some parts felt repetitive (I mean, like same sentences repeated) and I honestly hated the formatting of the physical book.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic insight into how to interact with autistic learners. Parents, don't forget that you are the initial teachers! She writes from both points of view, What the child is learning but also how.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is not too much new in this book. A couple insights for school. Easy read.

[LORIANN (my opinion doesn't mean much, but ...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Grandin is a favorite of mine.

Having a daughter that is on the spectrum and has every challenge you can name I highly respect here thoughts and insights.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple, straightforward read

[Max Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great informational book!

[Jenni Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have great respect and admiration for Temple Grandin. However, I did not find this book helpful.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important reminders as parents to help our kids succeed

[Sheila Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, good book. It touched on a variety of subjects including autism and technology as well as many other things.

[Kameryn Sanchez]

A good book for neurological teachers/parents to read to have a better understanding about autism. There were a few really helpful activities.

[Leidamarie Tirado-Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned many new things about how people with autism think. I just wish there were more examples/strategies presented

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in understanding her experience and solid recommendations. Book needs a good editor.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very straightforward and clear! Helpful info.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard her speak at a conference. I found it pointed out things I wish I had known when my son was younger.

[Ryk Stanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational but mostly things I already knew. I think she is inspiring.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but needs more depth. I’ll try to read some of the citations for that, I suppose.

[Michelle Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great - more for an educational perspective on Autism