Dr. Temple Grandin visits Izard County Stem School

Students and faculty shared an exciting experience when famed academic Dr. Temple Grandin came to visit the school last Friday. Grandin spoke sharing her experience as a visual learner with autism and the incredible impact she has made on the world. She toured the schools agriculture facilities, visited with students, and answered thoughtful questions both during the assembly and throughout her tour.

While speaking to the students Dr. Grandin emphasized the importance of STEM education and expressed how proud she is of the work that the school is doing to prepare learners for success in every field. The visits follow her appearance at Arkansas State University’s “Autism: The Way I See It” event on November 20, where she delivered the keynote address.

Dr. Grandin is a scientist and industrial designer who used her experience with autism to create systems designed to ease stress in people with autism, as well as animals. She is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and works with Future Horizons, an organization dedicated to empowering families and individuals affected by autism.

Dr. Grandin also currently speaks at schools, conferences, and webinars around the country and just released a new documentary, “An Open Door”, that reflects on her influential life and work as a champion of the humane treatment of livestock, autism rights, and inclusive neurodiversity by employing her gifted insights from her personal experience with autism and visual thinking. The film speaks with Dr. Grandin, her colleagues, industry professionals and those she has influenced to celebrate her groundbreaking life, lessons learned and lasting legacy. The documentary is currently available on several streaming platforms.