Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
Temple GrandinRead
I believe there is a reason such as autism, severe manic-depression, and schizophrenia remain in our gene pool even though there is much suffering as a result.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that certain difficult conditions, like autism and mental illness, have a purpose in human diversity despite the suffering they may cause.
Temple Grandin reflects on the presence of conditions such as autism, manic-depression, and schizophrenia in our genetic makeup. Her insight emphasizes that these conditions, although they can lead to significant struggles for individuals and their families, also contribute to the richness and diversity of human experience, suggesting that there may be a deeper reason for their existence that transcends the immediate suffering they cause.
Themes
AutismMental IllnessDiversityGene PoolSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion on genetic diversity in a biology class.
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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