ENLIGHTEN BY DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN

ENLIGHTEN BY DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN

Enriching knowledge is something each employee at TMI is encouraged to do, whether it is learning a new task or reading an article on one done for years. In January, TMI's Family Support Services (FSS) started the new year by expanding their knowledge of autism by attending Autism & Aspeger's Syndrome Conference, with one of TIME MAGAZINE'S Top 100 Most Influential People Of The World, Dr. Temple Grandin, as guest speaker.

 Many believe that the most effective teachers are those who have lived through what they teach and this is exactly what the FSS team experienced as they received many noteworthy lessons from Dr. Grandin.

Dr. Grandin is considered one of the most accomplished adults with autism. She is a successful author, professor, livestock-handling expert, and advocate. Dr. Grandin grew up in the 1950's, a time when autism was not well understood and most doctors recommended institutionalization, she over came this and earned the following degrees: B.A. in Psychology, Master of Science in Animal Science, and a Ph.D. in Animal Science. 

At the conference Dr. Grandin shared her firsthand experience and insight on how social workers, foster parents and natural supports can assist autistic people and help them reach a meaningful and successful life based on their abilities. She reminds advocates that autism is a spectrum disorder and that no two individuals are exactly alike. Her experience has been that autistic characteristics can be controlled providing the right supports. She stresses the importance of focusing on an individual's strengths, interests, and thinking patterns and expanding them to where they can apply them as functional and vocational skills. Her belief is that if medication is prescribed to those with autism it should only be used as a support, not a solution. Dr. Grandin reiterated the powerful impact of identifying a mentor for each autistic child and using this mentorship to lead the path to success.

FSS was fortunate enough to meet one-on-one with Dr. Grandin and she encouraged us with her personal story, accomplishments, and future endeavors. FSS feels confident that the tools she shared can be integrated in our foster homes only to enrich support already being provided to TMI foster children. FSS will continue to strive to provide the best quality of life for those we support now being one step closer toward reaching this goal. Thank you Dr. Temple Grandin.