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Science
Updated August 15, 2025
Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin is a renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate who revolutionized humane livestock handling systems. Her work improved animal welfare and raised awareness about autism.
Notable Facts
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Autism advocacy pioneer
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Livestock handling system designer
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Visual thinking expert
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Best selling author
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Animal welfare innovator
Career Highlights
Background
Temple Grandin was born in 1947 and diagnosed with autism at an early age. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Franklin Pierce College in 1970, followed by a Master’s in Animal Science from Arizona State University in 1975. She later completed a Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1989. Her early career focused on livestock behavior and handling systems, driven by her unique perspective as an individual with autism.
Major Contributions
Grandin is best known for her groundbreaking work in animal welfare and livestock handling. She designed the "center track restraint system," a humane cattle handling system now used in over half of U.S. slaughterhouses. She also developed scoring systems for animal welfare audits, adopted by major corporations like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
Invented the "hug machine," a device to calm individuals with autism.
Authored over 60 scientific papers on animal behavior and autism.
Pioneered the concept of "thinking in pictures," a theory explaining visual cognition in autism.
Impact on Their Field
Grandin’s innovations revolutionized the livestock industry by prioritizing humane treatment and reducing stress in animals. Her work established industry standards for animal welfare, influencing global practices. In autism advocacy, her insights into sensory processing and visual thinking reshaped educational approaches and public understanding of neurodiversity.
Current Work/Relevance
Grandin remains active as a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She continues to consult for the livestock industry and speak internationally on autism and animal behavior. Her recent work includes advocating for neurodiversity in the workplace and improving slaughterhouse designs. She has also authored several books, further disseminating her research and ideas.
Temple Grandin was born in 1947 and diagnosed with autism at an early age. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Franklin Pierce College in 1970, followed by a Master’s in Animal Science from Arizona State University in 1975. She later completed a Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1989. Her early career focused on livestock behavior and handling systems, driven by her unique perspective as an individual with autism.
Major Contributions
Grandin is best known for her groundbreaking work in animal welfare and livestock handling. She designed the "center track restraint system," a humane cattle handling system now used in over half of U.S. slaughterhouses. She also developed scoring systems for animal welfare audits, adopted by major corporations like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
Impact on Their Field
Grandin’s innovations revolutionized the livestock industry by prioritizing humane treatment and reducing stress in animals. Her work established industry standards for animal welfare, influencing global practices. In autism advocacy, her insights into sensory processing and visual thinking reshaped educational approaches and public understanding of neurodiversity.
Current Work/Relevance
Grandin remains active as a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She continues to consult for the livestock industry and speak internationally on autism and animal behavior. Her recent work includes advocating for neurodiversity in the workplace and improving slaughterhouse designs. She has also authored several books, further disseminating her research and ideas.
Personal Story
Who They Are
Temple Grandin is an American scientist, animal behavior expert, and autism advocate. Born in 1947, she was diagnosed with autism as a child, a time when little was understood about the condition. Despite challenges with social interaction and sensory sensitivities, Grandin’s unique way of thinking—visual rather than verbal—helped her excel in fields like animal science and design. She earned a PhD in animal science and became a professor at Colorado State University.
Why They Matter
Grandin revolutionized the livestock industry by designing humane handling systems for cattle. Her insights, rooted in her autism, allowed her to see the world from an animal’s perspective, leading to quieter, less stressful slaughterhouse designs. These innovations improved animal welfare and industry efficiency.
She also became a prominent voice for autism awareness, sharing her experiences to help others understand neurodiversity. Her work has inspired millions, showing how different ways of thinking can lead to extraordinary contributions.
What They’re Known For
Grandin is famous for two main things: her groundbreaking work in animal science and her advocacy for autism.
Livestock Handling Systems: Her curved chute designs reduce stress in cattle, now used worldwide.
Autism Advocacy: Her bestselling books, like Thinking in Pictures, offer a window into the autistic mind.
Public Speaking: She’s a sought-after speaker, blending humor and honesty about autism and animal behavior.
Her life was even turned into an Emmy-winning HBO movie, Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes. Grandin’s story proves that thinking differently isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength.
Temple Grandin is an American scientist, animal behavior expert, and autism advocate. Born in 1947, she was diagnosed with autism as a child, a time when little was understood about the condition. Despite challenges with social interaction and sensory sensitivities, Grandin’s unique way of thinking—visual rather than verbal—helped her excel in fields like animal science and design. She earned a PhD in animal science and became a professor at Colorado State University.
Why They Matter
Grandin revolutionized the livestock industry by designing humane handling systems for cattle. Her insights, rooted in her autism, allowed her to see the world from an animal’s perspective, leading to quieter, less stressful slaughterhouse designs. These innovations improved animal welfare and industry efficiency.
She also became a prominent voice for autism awareness, sharing her experiences to help others understand neurodiversity. Her work has inspired millions, showing how different ways of thinking can lead to extraordinary contributions.
What They’re Known For
Grandin is famous for two main things: her groundbreaking work in animal science and her advocacy for autism.
Her life was even turned into an Emmy-winning HBO movie, Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes. Grandin’s story proves that thinking differently isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength.