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.
On this episode of “A World of Difference,” we’ll saddle up and travel to a small Florida horse ranch to get a glimpse of animal-assisted intervention in action. Next, we’ll explore the ins and outs of animal-assisted intervention in our “Ask the Experts” segment. Finally, we’ll introduce you to this month’s “Difference Maker,” Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned scientist, author, and speaker, who has spent a lifetime making the world a more humane place for both livestock and the neurodiverse.
Meet NHL star defenseman Brent Sopel, whose life off the ice began to make sense when he discovered he was dyslexic.
Jack Canfield, the co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, once observed that “self-esteem is made up primarily of two things: feeling lovable and feeling capable.” Low self-esteem doesn’t play favorites. But it can betray a fondness for children with learning disabilities.
Meet nationally renowned real estate executive John Crossman, who learned later in life that the successful real estate career he built was constructed upon a foundation of dyslexia.
Season 1 | Episode 7 “Helping High School Seniors with Learning Disabilities Successfully Transition to College” February 2021 Synopsis: As high school seniors await entry letters from their dream and “safety” schools, they dream of ditching the constraints of high school for the freedom that college life brings. For parents of aspiring collegians who learnRead More…
Willard Wigan is a micro sculptor, creator of the world smallest handmade micro art in history, who grew up with undiagnosed autism and dyslexia. In 2007, he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with the distinction of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, for his services to art. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to art and sculpture. He also holds two Guinness World Records.
Season 1 | Episode 6: “Pushing Students Who Learn Differently — but not over the edge” January 2021 Synopsis: The Flying Wallendas earned fame and a reputation as circus daredevils for performing stupendous acts of balance on a high-wire. Yet, even the uncanny skill with which they performed their incredible seven-person chair pyramid stunt palesRead More…
Season 1 | Episode 5: “Helping Autistic Students Succeed on Campus” December 2020 Synopsis: How can parents help their autistic child succeed academically? What are some tools, strategies, and resources that parents can lean on to provide their child with autism added support? We’ll explore these questions and provide some practical strategies with our panelRead More…
S1, E5: Quinn Bradlee — Quinn Bradlee is a filmmaker, author and advocate for improving the lives of disabled individuals. He is the author of A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures and the founder of Friends of Quinn, an online community for individuals with learning disabilities.
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