Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior

Additional Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior Information

Temple's professional training as an animal scientist and her history as a person with autism have given her a perspective like that of no other expert in the field. Standing at the intersection of autism and animals, she offers unparalleled observations and groundbreaking ideas about both.

Autistic people can often think the way animals think -- in fact, Grandin and co-author Catherine Johnson see autism as a kind of way station on the road from animals to humans -- putting autistic people in the perfect position to translate "animal talk." Temple is a faithful guide into their world, exploring animal pain, fear, aggression, love, friendship, communication, learning, and, yes, even animal genius. Not only are animals much smarter than anyone ever imagined, in some cases animals are out-and-out brilliant.

The sweep of Animals in Translation is immense, merging an animal scientist's thirty years of study with her keen perceptions as a person with autism -- Temple sees what others cannot.

Among its provocative ideas, the book:

argues that language is not a requirement for consciousness -- and that animals do have consciousness

applies the autism theory of "hyper-specificity" to animals, showing that animals and autistic people are so sensitive to detail that they "can't see the forest for the trees" -- a talent as well as a "deficit"

explores the "interpreter" in the normal human brain that filters out detail, leaving people blind to much of the reality that surrounds them -- a reality animals and autistic people see, sometimes all too clearly

explains how animals have "superhuman" skills: animals have animal genius

compares animals to autistic savants, declaring that animals may in fact be autistic savants, with special forms of genius that normal people do not possess and sometimes cannot even see

examines how humans and animals use their emotions to think, to decide, and even to predict the future

reveals the remarkable abilities of handicapped people and animals

maintains that the single worst thing you can do to an animal is to make it feel afraid

Temple Grandin is like no other author on the subject of animals because of her training and because of her autism: understanding animals is in her blood and in her bones.

What Customers Say About Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior:

Scientific information was presented from multiple fields of study and this is immediately evident when scanning the bibliography. Temple Grandin raises this question. It is essential to understand the point of view of the subject being addressed, whether it is a cow who is scared of shadows or an autistic student who's behavior has suddenly changed due to a tiny alteration in the condition of his classroom desk. Temple Grandin's perspectives are unique and highly valued since she speaks both as a person who has struggled with Autism and as an animal scientist. Autistic individuals have "bad input into the frontal lobes." Temple Grandin describes potential benefits of the "Hidden Figure Talent" of people with Autism.

This book was thought provoking. Information is presented from the study of: developmental psychology; classical learning theories; behavioral psychology; cognitive psychology; abnormal psychology; neurology; neuroscience; genetics and animal breeding; animal science; and brain evolution. As an occupation therapist, I am constantly striving to understand and tap into the potential of my autistic students. Verbal overshadowing is an interesting phenomenon to review. The first person writing style made the book easy to read and absorb.

Temple Grandin does not think in words and neither do animals. People with Autism can identify flaws in materials that others need a microscope to detect. Animals have a smaller neocortex (includes the frontal lobe) than humans do. I have found it necessary to think outside the box of traditional educational and OT course material.

What is it like to think in pictures and to see what actually exists in extreme detail and not to perceive the whole picture,the abstract generalized concept. The most interesting information in this book involved the ability of some animals to pass on culture by communicating back and forth to each other. In each chapter of this book I was exposed to new information and perspectives about the brain and behaviors in both animals and humans. This is a highly useful skill for quality assurance. What about the potential usefulness of this trait in homeland security. I found the review of well known studies on language to be helpful but information about the new awareness of animal intelligence and language was fascinating. Reading about the tiny details that scare farm animals such as high pitched noises, air hissing and small objects on the floor is very similar to the sensory reactions that students with Autism experience. A clear message in this book is that animals have influenced human brain evolution and people have influenced animal brain evolution.

This is the first book I have read where my understanding of the fragmented world perceived by autistic children was enlightened by considering how animals may perceive the world. This book may not add to the knowledge of animal experts, but from my perspective as an occupational therapist I gained valuable information about animals and brain development in general. Temple Grandin states in the book that "A huge amount of my consulting business is getting paid to see all the stuff normal people can't see." Highly visual people respond to detail the way animals do, she speculates. Scrambled sensory processing in people with Autism can create a feeling of a daily state of emergency. It causes a witness to be less likely to identify a person in a police line up if the witness writes down a description of the "robber" compared to witnesses who do not "suppress" their visual memories by converting them into written language.

Animals in Translation is a revelation. Temple Grandin opens up for us a path to the understanding of what we once called "dumb animals." Of course, in this usage, "dumb" means "mute," but too often we interpolate it to mean, "unfeeling,"or "unable to think." Grandin erases all such nonsense, and takes us on a journey to into the minds of animals -- including our pets -- that decreases the emotional and intellectual distance between us. On reading this book, you will see yourdog, cat, horse, rabbit, or even your turtle, as a member of your family, and you will be forever conscious of how your treatment affects and molds your relationship. For dog owners, this book, together with "Merle's Door," will make you worthy of your pet's admiration.

Temple's insight into the world of animals is very profound and really makes you think about your animals life and well being. The BEST book ever on learning the insights into animal behavior and their emotions. Anyone who loves animals should read this book.and keep it for a life long reference. Covers several species of animals and is filled with info on studies done on both humans and animals that are so very interesting and informative. I cannot say enough GOOD things about this book.

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.

A very enlightening concept of how animals think and how the autistic mind provides insights. Provides a better understanding of the animal, as well as the autistic mind and the role it could play in society.