Temple Grandin: Who is She and Why Did the HBO Made for TV Movie Become a Success Story

Temple Grandin. The name is spoken but nothing comes to mind for the majority of Americans. However, to those Americans raising autistic children and those who suffer with autism themselves, Temple Grandin is a household name with real meaning, providing a beacon of hope and a great role model for those with autism.

HBO created the made for television movie, 'Temple Grandin,' based off, you guessed it, Temple Grandin's life. Many people do not have the privelage of knowing her story or did not hear about the made for TV movie until last night during the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards show. In case you missed last nights' Emmy Winners, 'Temple Grandin' made a very strong appearance with many notable Emmy awards including Best Made for TV Movie Actress, Claire Danes, who played Temple Grandin in the HBO film, and Best Made for Television Movie.

My education of Temple Grandin's amazing story began before last night however. This Valentine's Day my girlfriend and I sat down and watched the HBO movie, 'Temple Grandin.' Not your typical Valentine's night with your lover huh? However, my girlfriend is a behavioral therapist at a high-profile autism clinic in California, so for her this movie meant something. And if it meant something to her it definitely warranted my attention.

Let me tell you what a great movie it was and how completely shocked I was to discover this HBO film. Claire Danes, who played Temple Grandin in the movie, was brilliant in her portrayal of the autistic woman who dramatically changed the male-dominated cattle industry, surprising yes, and autism awareness across the country. Danes was so involved with the role it was made quite apparent that she had rehearsed and researched countless hours ensuring that justice was brought to Temple Grandin and that her performace was genuine.

HBO's 'Temple Grandin' film mainly focuses on Temple Grandin's struggle with autism and how she never let her disability come between her and her goal driven mind. It is a true success and battle against the odds story that we, as Americans, crave and wish to emmulate. Temple Grandin work tirelessly throughout her life, eventually earning a doctorate degree in animal science, a field in which woman were predominantly outcast from and it was unheard of for a person with a disability to attempt to enter the field. Yet Temple Grandin defied all skeptics and went to great lengths in order to achieve her goal.

Temple Grandin claimed her autistic disability allowed her to hear farm animals thoughts and read their actions in a more intuitive manner than average joe farmer. Temple Grandin, armed with this special ability, spent tireless hours perfecting a revolutionary creation. It would prove to be a creation that changed the cattle industry permanently. Temple Grandin created a more humane, and efficient way, of leading cattle to the slaughterhouse lines. To some, devoting years to the humane slaughter of cattle seems counter-intuitive, but to Temple Grandin is was a passion peaking on obsession.

Essentially Temple Grandin believed cows would move more efficiently in a circular pattern as opposed to the straight chute assembly line methods used previously. Temple Grandin believed that this circular pattern was calming and more natural to the cows, thus creating less stress on the animal making them more willingly move throughout the slaughtering process. During Temple Grandin's behavioral study of cattle and their habit, she discovered that in a stressful situation cattle tend to herd together in a tight grouping and move about in a circular formation. To me it is very similar in the way a school of fish effortlessly moves through the water. The HBO film focuses mainly on this aspect of her life. It is quite amazing really and the effort she put into the animals, ensuring their eventual demise was relaxed and smooth, is quite admirable.

Temple Grandin also went on to be a prominent university professor and even wrote an autobiography on her life challenges and experiences. The HBO film goes on to portray Temple Grandin in her role as a public advocate for autism awareness and portrays the profound affect she has had on autistic individuals everywhere.

Check this movie out folks. It is well worth the watch. The acting by Claire Danes as Temple Grandin is amazing, and the storyline of Temple Grandin's life will put perspective on your own. It is truly a great film about a truly great individual. While you're at it, do a little researching into the life of Temple Grandin and discover more that the HBO film did not cover in depth

If you have already watched 'Temple Grandin,' have firsthand experience with Temple Grandin, are autistic, or watched the film based on reading my article, I want to hear about it. Please leave a comment with your stories and opinions for all of us to read.