An Afternoon With Temple Grandin

Two and half years ago, I was in a very dark, sad place.  Abigail had just been diagnosed with autism.  I felt such anger, blame, and guilt towards myself.  I wondered what I had done to make her this way. 
"When was the day that I caused her to have this?"  I wondered how I was going to be able to accept the diagnosis, stop blaming myself, and start helping her learn to live with her disability.  When I did not think I could do this, this whole thing of being able to raise a child with autism, Marilena walked into my life.  Marilena was Abigail's speech therapist.  One day, when I was really struggling to accept the autism, she gave me a hug and asked me what she could do to help.  I broke down this wall I had been covering myself in.  In public, prior to this moment, I did not show emotion.  I pretended everything was fine, even though my life felt like it had crumbled before my eyes.  I told Marilena on that day that I knew Abigail had autism but I did not know how I would be able to handle all that goes with the diagnosis.  "Would she ever talk?"  "Would she grow up to be a functioning adult?"  "Would I be able to control her as she got older?"  "How would I get through to her to make a better life for her?"  Marilena suggested I read books by Temple Grandin. 

Temple Grandin is an author of many books on autism and animal welfare.  She lectures to groups across the country on these topics.  She went to college and has a PhD.  She also has autism. 

Temple Grandin's books have changed my life.  Her books have given me hope when I felt like there was none.  Her books have given me insight into Abigail's world when I thought I could not get into her world. 
Her books have made me a better parent and advocate for Abigail. 

A few days ago, I was able to see Dr. Grandin speak.  It has been a dream of mine to do so since I read the first page of the first book of Temple Grandins.  I was in awe of seeing her in real life.  I admire this woman so much and she could never possibly know how much of an impact she has had on my life. 

Thank you Marilena for the recommendation and that hug that opened my world so many years ago.  Thank you Temple Grandin for everything you do and the things you do that you are not even aware of.  My life is so much better because of these two extraordinary women.

www.templegrandin.com