Temple Grandin

I watched a really great movie last night - Temple Grandin. It is about this woman who really overcame her Autism - and she did it at a time when Autism was really misunderstood. I was blown away when the doctor who diagnosed the Autism told the mother that the Autism was caused by a crucial time in Temple's life when her mother didn't show her enough love. I'm so glad we've gone beyond that point and realize that's a horrible untruth. I can't even imagine being that mother and being told I'm to blame for my child's condition.

There were some really good spots throughout the movie where it showed what life is sometimes like for autistic people. When someone would tell her something in a figurative sort of way, she would picture it very literally. Even phrases like "Animal Husbandry" that we take for granted, she pictured a groom and a cow wife. And when her teacher told her to picture opportunities as doors to walk through, she would literally picture doors.

It was also nice to see how Darin's autism could be worse. At least he is growing up in a time when it is more accepted and understood. At least he is comfortable making eye contact. At least he enjoys being held and hugged. At least there are glimmers of time when he seems to understand the expression of an emotion. At least he doesn't have too many environmental triggers.

And here's hoping he'll be as smart as Temple Grandin. I certainly think he is.