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The thing about being autistic is that you gradually get less and less autistic, because you keep learning, you keep learning how to behave. It's like being in a play; I'm always in a play.
Temple Grandin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the journey of personal growth and adaptation in the context of autism.

Temple Grandin emphasizes that individuals with autism can learn and adapt over time, gaining skills that help them navigate social situations. She likens this experience to being an actor in a play, suggesting that people with autism often need to learn how to 'perform' in societal scenarios, which speaks to the broader theme of growth and adaptation in life.

Themes

AutismLearningGrowthBehaviorAdaptation

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on autism awareness, this quote can be used to highlight the adaptability of individuals on the spectrum.

More from Temple Grandin

Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
Temple GrandinRead
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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