Temple Grandin

      I just picked up Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery this afternoon thinking I would read one or two chapters.  A couple of hours later, I turned the final page and knew I had to blog about it.
   This is a biography about a woman who is amazing in so many ways.  She is a scientist, an engineer, a professor, an animal rights advocate, a speaker and so much more.  Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a young child but at a time when the disorder was not well understood.  Thanks to her mother, Grandin attended school and was not institutionalized as her father wished. 
     As Grandin grew up she developed an understanding of the way she perceives the world and she recognized her deep connection to animals.  She harnessed her visualization skills and her understanding of animal behavior and has invented many systems used in ranches, feed lots and slaughter houses to increase the quality of life for these animals.
     Montgomery skillfully weaves information about autism spectrum disorders into the first few chapters of the the book.  Readers will appreciate the straightforward facts and simple explanations of many aspects of autism.  This is an engaging look into the life experience of a fascinating woman.