Temple Grandin, 75, is one of the leading advocates for autistic communities.
Grandin wears many hats as PhD academic, scientist, college professor, author, inventor and expert animal behaviourist.
She was also diagnosed with autism in 1949, in the early days of diagnosis, when many did not know what autism was.
Her parents provided her with the best possible teachers and extensive speech therapy, but social interactions remained difficult throughout her time in middle and high school, where Grandin was regularly teased for her verbal tics.
Despite obstacles, Grandin went on to achieve immense academic success, and continues to be a role model for autistic and neurotypical individuals alike.
Her advancements, visionary and unique perspective in autistic advocacy and animal science has change the course of multiple fields and schools of thought.
“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,” Grandin said.
“I want to leave something behind. I want to make a positive contribution, know that my life has meaning,” she said.