Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. An intelligent child with a thirst for knowledge, but unable to properly express herself or control her behaviour, Temple struggled through grade school. Eventually moved from a "normal" school to an educational program for autistic children, she began to suffer "nerve attacks." Now Temple tells the story of how she went from a fear-gripped, autistic child to a successful professional and a world leader in her field. A chronicle of perseverance and courage, EMERGENCE gives new hope and insight into the tragedy of autism and the vast potential of the human spirit.

About the Author

Temple Grandin is one of the world's foremost experts in the design and construction of livestock handling facilities. Her projects can be found throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, England, and Denmark. She holds an M.S. from Arizona State in animal science and received her Ph.D. in 1988 from the University of Illinois at Urbana. She now is a professor at the University of Colorado in Denver.

Prizes

Temple Grandin, who was first made famous by Oliver Sacks' An Anthropologist on Mars, tells her remarkable story of how she struggled to overcome her autism.

Reviews

This book is written by a woman who overcame a severe disability to become a successful designer of livestock equipment. Though professionals have been theorizing about it for years, the phenomenon called autism has re mained shrouded in mystery. The au thor makes a few dents in this mys tique, giving us insights which are rare because autism by its nature generally precludes such expression and analysis of emotion. She combines a personal perspective with relevant research in formation in assessing how autism can be overcome and even, in some ways, turned to personal advantage. This ac count will be significant reading for any professional or lay person interested in autism, and is also a moving story of the human hidden behind a distorting facade. Amy Goffman, Registered Physical Therapist, Lake Forest, Ill.

Temple's remarkable story is uniquely valuable in helping us see autism from the 'inside. Her dedication to science and her uncompromising honesty about herself will help scientists understand the links between neurology, empathy, and altruism.' Lorna Jean King, OTR, FAOTA, Center for Neuro-Developmental Studies 'This is the story of a frightening journey which provides the reader with a first hand account of the sense of isolation, hopelessness, and anxiety suffered by autistics and their families.' Del Morrison, Ph.D., Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Clinic