Some teachers just have a knack for working with autistic children. Other teachers do not have it.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that eliminating autism could hinder creativity and productivity in society.
Temple Grandin's quote highlights the importance of neurodiversity, suggesting that individuals with autism contribute unique perspectives and skills. It implies that without these differences, society may become stagnant, as creativity and innovation often arise from diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Themes
AutismDiversityCreativityNeurodiversityInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of different perspectives in a team project.
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
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
I think that autistic brains tend to be specialized brains. Autistic people tend to be less social. It takes a ton of processor space in the brain to have all the social circuits.
Temple GrandinRead
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