Autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin promotes visual thinking in Rockford

Renowned advocate for autism and animal welfare, Dr. Temple Grandin, visited Rockford for the first time.

“Everything I think about it’s a picture my memories, like a whole bunch of phone pictures,” said Dr. Grandin.

Hundreds gathered at Lockwood Park, where Dr. Grandin promoted her best-selling book Visual Thinking. 

“Dr. Temple Grandin’s a great resource for us and a good starting point for us to be able to learn more,” shared Matt Adas of Rockford. 

Adas brought his son Paul, who is on the spectrum and looks to Dr. Grandin as an inspiration.

“Gives us hope that there’s a chance for him to lead a better life within society. We’re hoping that some of her resources and opportunities will afford us be able to help our son, Paul, with autism,” explained Adas.

Dr. Grandin made her life her message, educating others about thinking visually.

“People that are visual thinkers like me are really good working with animals. Also, mechanical ability, fixing cars, fixing anything mechanical. Another kind of thinker is your mathematical mind, your pattern thinker. And the third type is your verbal mind,” said Dr. Grandin.