Difference Maker Dr. Temple Grandin

Though not diagnosed with autism until adulthood, as a child Dr. Temple Grandin quickly learned that she processed things differently than her neurotypical classmates — only developing speech skills when she was nearly four years old. Drawn to STEM-related activities like electronics and rocketry, she was encouraged to pursue a career as a scientist by her peers and a former teacher and mentor. And the rest is history. Grandin has since authored over 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers on animal behavior. Half the cattle in the United States today are handled in facilities she designed. And while much of her life’s work has been to understand her own autistic mind, her goal remains to better the treatment of neurodiverse individuals like her.