Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (A Harvest Book)

Dr. Grandin has been extremely successful in her work with animals. She has used her diagnosis of Autism as a gift to improve the treatment of animals and lessen the trauma by being able to understand their behaviors.

There were heaps of valuable information in this book. While I don't confidently agree with *all* of her frequent speculations, I found many of the referenced studies, anecdotes, and scientific information mind-blowing. And this is coming from someone who is a lifelong animal person. The capabilities of animals are so much wider than even I thought! Thank you Temple Grandin.

Dr. Grandin looks at a wide range of animal behaviors in a refreshing new way. She brings together a wide range of experiments to illustrate where in the brain various behaviors are controlled and looks at the similarities and differences between animal and human cognitive processes. She sees many similarities between animal and autistic brains, and it helped me to better understand both.
As a non-professional I found the book to be completely understandable, and never boring. I listen to the CDs in my car, so I just get short sections at a time.

Temple's observation of our world around us is simply, just refreshing. Reading her thoughts on Animals and Autism were truly enlightening for me. Inspired me to take a harder look at my surroundings from a fresh perspective and brought me to a new awareness of simple ideas or rather explanations for why animals do the things they do. Thank you Temple

The authors puts forward a theory that animals and autistic persons perceives the world in a similar manner. The evidence is anecdotal, but highly convincing. Definitely opened my eyes to a possible dog perception and with that a better ubderstanding of my dogs behavior! Well worth reading'

Temple Grandin gives one a lot of insight into the way animal minds work. She Also cites a lot of fascinating studies which support her opinions, and she's pretty straightforward about stating what is simply an opinion based on her experience, vs scientifically-tested theories.

A wealth of fascinating information about the ways animals think and behave. Sometimes rambling as it covers a lot of research and anecdotes, but I gained many insights into my dog's behavior, actually learning far more than from a dozen dog training books.

I think Grandin's book is excellent and unique!! Here is a woman who:

#1. Is obviously extremely intelligent.

#2. Has a working knowledge of both microbiology and evolution theory because she has been using them in her work for many years.

#3. Recalls thousands of experiments with all kinds of animals in the field.

#4. Has amazing powers of observation because, apparently, autistic people do not have those little political voices (let's call it the "Machiavelli Unit") running through their heads like we do.

#5. Unlike us, Grandin seems to KNOW how and why her decisions are made because she is presented pictures of decisions from her subconscious instead of political rationalizations from the Machiavelli Unit.

The book starts a little slow (perhaps it's just me) but should appeal to a wide audience. It's written in an extremely easy-to-read conversational style.

My favorite kind of book. This is such a rewarding book - so much information, such insights, interesting case studies, lots of documentation in the form of scientific studies. I loved this book so much that after reading the library copy, I asked to have it as a birthday present, and then turned around and bought two copies of it as a CD to give my son-in-law and a friend to listen to in the car. I am so grateful to the author for all that I learned and the growth I felt in my understanding of the animal and human world.

Written with incredible clarity and energy, this book revolutionizes the way we think about animal thinking, feeling and behaviour, as well as giving as a fresh appreciation of autism and its potential benefits.

A most interesting and easily read book. Enjoyed reading from her (autistic) point of view and with all of her experiences, insight and shared knowledge it had me more able to understand animal behavior and autism. I have recommended the book to friends and they too have enjoyed it.

Excellent discussion of animal behavior, written in plain language that is easily understandable. Dr. Grandin helps us understand the animal human connection, and the differences we need to be aware of to understand animals and work with them. Very valuable information well presented.

This is a terrific book. I learned about animal behavior and autism. I am a science teacher and I gained understanding of my autistic students and my pets and insight to share with students regarding animal behavior.

a great book that offers insight into animals, humans and their interaction and similarities and differences. it seems that despite the obvious handicaps that autism carries with it, there is also an insight into life that is hidden from "normal" people. I highly recommend this book, full of references and facts and theories, yet as readable as a grisham novel.

Temple Grandin shared much insight about animal behavior and her experience with Autism.
With Autism on the rise and many of us having family members on the Autistic spectrum, I found it helpful and interesting information.

You have to have an interest in learning about educational and interesting studies and facts about animal behavior. You will gain insight into human and animal behavior. It is not a warm fuzzy book about behavior which I found to be filled with fascinating information about how humans have created several problems in messing with nature to increase their business/personal profits.

An excellent book by an excellent author. Detailed descriptions to give the reader a better understanding of the world of animal behavior. Written so a lay person can understand. Thoroughly enjoyable. Temple Grandin a gift :)

Author explains how the psychology of horses can be related to autism and inversely how autism can be understood by animal behavior. Fascinating and informative. A must reed for anyone interested in teaching autistic students.

This book is technical, but a very important work in reference to understanding not only animals, but work with autism for classroom teachers and parents. As a teacher of young children, I found this invaluable. Do not let the fact that some parts are slow going deter you! This is an important book for anyone working with children or animals in any capacity.

I enjoyed this book very much, A pity Temple could not write it herself as she would have done it from a believer's point, which would have been awesome.I enjoyed her story and the work she does with and for animals.

I love this book-- have read it multiple times. I see my dog (and other animals) in an entirely different way now. Doing so has helped me to train my dog more easily and realize WHAT is bothering him when he's upset or refusing to do something I'd like him to do.