Union County Review

Teaching practical skills and allowing children to learn from their mistakes are key to helping autistic students succeed, according to autism advocate Temple Grandin, Ph.D. She addressed an audience at Kean University as part of the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series.

Grandin is well-known for her contributions to the autism community and her work as an animal scientist. Her presentation, titled "The World Needs All Kinds of Minds," emphasized the importance of embracing diverse ways of thinking.

“I’m trying to bust up the autism box,” Grandin stated. “I want to see young people who think differently get out there and be successful. Kids are afraid of failing. But you learn from mistakes.”

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., welcomed Grandin warmly, saying, “At Kean, diverse perspectives are welcome and celebrated. Temple Grandin’s advocacy and groundbreaking work embody the transformative power of inclusion. She reminds us that diversity includes neurodiversity.”

The lecture series at Kean invites experts and newsmakers to share their insights with the university community. Grandin's lecture attracted a full house, including many attendees with disabilities and sensory needs.

Support for the event came from Kean alumna Marjorie Slass ’13 M.A., ’16 Psy.D., and her husband Jonathan Slass, whose daughter is on the autism spectrum. Marjorie Slass commented on their motivation: “She is the inspiration for why we want to fund autism education. We’re thrilled to be part of this.”

Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University with numerous publications, was diagnosed with autism as a child but learned to speak through education and therapy by age 4. Her life story was depicted in an HBO film.

In her lecture, she stressed practicality: “We need the skills of people who think differently,” she said while outlining three types of thinking: visual (thinking in pictures), spatial visualization (thinking in patterns), and verbal (thinking in words).

She advised educators on supporting students by encouraging experimentation ("tinkering"), offering early job opportunities outside home settings like volunteer roles for skill-building, setting expectations, and connecting students with mentors.

“You’ve got to get out and try stuff,” Grandin urged. “I believe in trying on careers. It’s important to find out what you hate.”

During a Q&A session led by James Konopack, Ph.D., dean of Kean's College of Health Professions and Human Services (CHPHS), he remarked how Grandin's work aligns with CHPHS's mission: "Our mission is to prepare future professionals to provide culturally responsive, holistic evidence-based care."

Attendees found her message impactful; Aaron Gubi, Ph.D., assistant professor in Kean’s Department of Advanced Studies in Psychology said: “She was fantastic... I think her message is we need to be flexible."

Sierra Ramirez from North Brunswick expressed how enlightening it was: “Hearing her advice...was really an eye-opener.” Charles Garrett noted gaining new insights into therapeutic approaches.

Upcoming lectures will feature actor Giancarlo Esposito on February 4th, 2025, followed by technology journalist Kara Swisher on April 28th, 2025.