GREAT FALLS – Autism activist and animal science researcher Dr. Temple Grandin will be speaking on autism in Great Falls on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the CM Russell High School Auditorium.
Grandin was diagnosed as autistic when she was three and a half years old. Many hours of speech therapy, and intensive teaching enabled Grandin to learn speech. She has become a prominent author and speaker on autism after writing her book, “Emergence: Labeled Autistic.” Her family and mentors saw her potential and she is now an animal science professor at Colorado State University. She has a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world.
On Sept. 22, Dr. Grandin will talk about stumbling blocks for people with autism, as well as early interventions, sensory over-stimulation, different ways of thinking, and how best to deliver education to students with uneven skills. She will also discuss how parents, other mentors, and educators need to teach their child practical job and life skills that are outside of the child’s comfort zone.
This event is free and sponsored by Great Falls College MSU and the Great Falls Public Schools.
The following day, on Sept. 23, Dr. Grandin will be delivering a low-stress cattle handling workshop with Curt Pate who will be doing a live demonstration with cattle. This workshop is being provided through the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and its Agriculture Committee. It is sponsored by Montana Farmers Union, Great Falls College MSU, North 40 Outfitters, Great Falls Clinic, Torgerson’s, Cascade Conservation District, Montana FFA Foundation, MSU Cascade County Extension Service, Greenfield Irrigation District, MSU Extension Service and Western Ranch Supply.
The cattle workshop on Friday, Sept. 23 is from 9:30 to 1:30, has a $25 fee, and includes lunch. It is being held at the King’s Arena, 50 Foothills Ln. There is limited seating for this event. Register early with the Great Falls Area
Chamber of Commerce by calling 406-761-4434.
For more information, contact:
Erin Granger
Marketing Specialist, Great Falls College MSU
Phone: 406.771.4314, [email protected]
