Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
Temple GrandinRead
If by some magic, autism had been eradicated from the face of the Earth, then men would still be socializing in front of a wood fire at the entrance to a cave.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that inherent human behaviors and social structures would persist despite the absence of autism.
Temple Grandin's quote reflects on the idea that certain aspects of human nature and social interaction are fundamental and would not change even if a condition like autism were eradicated. It implies that autism, while often considered a challenge, contributes to the diversity of human experience, and removing it would not alter our basic social instincts and the way we connect with one another.
Themes
AutismHuman NatureSocializationDiversityInteraction
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the importance of neurodiversity in society, this quote can be used to highlight how social behaviors persist despite differences.
More from Temple Grandin
All quotes →Language just gradually came in, one or two stressed words a time. Before then, I would just scream. I couldn't talk. I couldn't get my words out. So the only way I could tell someone what I wanted was to scream. If I didn't want to wear a hat, the only way I knew to communicate was screaming and throwing it on the floor.
Temple GrandinRead
If you have a 2 or 3 year old who is not talking, you must start an early intervention program. The worst thing you can do with an autistic 3 year old is to do nothing.
Temple GrandinRead
I strongly recommend that students with autism get involved in special interest clubs in some of the areas they naturally excel at. Being with people who share your interests makes socializing easier.
Temple GrandinRead
What would happen if the autism gene was eliminated from the gene pool? You would have a bunch of people standing around in a cave, chatting and socializing and not getting anything done.
Temple GrandinRead
I don’t want my thoughts to die with me, I want to have done something. I’m not interested in power, or piles of money. I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution - know that my life has meaning.
Temple GrandinRead
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