Thinking in Pictures: My Life With Autism

Grandin’s mother is her primary advocate, beginning at a young age. She talks with teachers and Grandin’s peers to explain Grandin’s ways of interpreting and navigating the world, promoting inclusion and acceptance. “Motivated by love, my mother worked with me and kept me out of institutions” (92-93). Grandin’s mother adapts her strategies to help Grandin learn, including speech and reading. “Every afternoon after school, I sat with her in the kitchen and she had me sound out the words in a book. […] We read from a real book that was interesting instead of a little kid’s beginning book” (103). Grandin also describes her mother as both intellectually and visually astute.

Grandin’s Aunt Ann Brecheen introduces Grandin to the cattle chute at her Arizona ranch. Following her observation of the cattle’s serene reaction to the chute, Grandin decides to try out the contraption, hoping for the same effect on her anxiety. She solicits her aunt’s assistance with the machine, a request her aunt accepts:

Ann went along with my odd request to get in the cattle chute. She recognized that my mind worked in visual symbols, and she figured that the squeeze chute was an important part of my journey in the visual symbol world (59).

Aunt Brecheen maintains her patience and support, which extends to Grandin’s career and connection to cattle.

Mr. Carlock is a high school science teacher who encourages Grandin’s strengths and pursuit of scientific knowledge. He accepts her squeeze machine invention and uses it to prompt Grandin’s engagement in education. Mr. Carlock also introduces Grandin to scientific indexes. During Grandin’s transition from high school to college, Mr. Carlock continues to play an important role:

This is one reason that Mr. Carlock did more for me than teach me science. He spent hours giving me encouragement when I became dejected by all the teasing by classmates. Mr. Carlock’s science lab was a refuge from a world I did not understand (106-07). 

Tom Rohrer, manager of the Swift meat-packing plant, is a work colleague whom Grandin describes as “one of my most important mentors in the world” (113). Rohrer recognizes Grandin’s abilities and aids her with the social and relationship aspects of the work environment: “The main thing Tom did for me at first was to tolerate my presence, plain and simple. […] [H]e put up with me because I figured out clever ways to solve problems, such as using plastic milk hoses to pad the edges of gates and prevent bruises (113). 

Jim Uhl is Grandin’s good friend. His career field of construction naturally invites a friendship with Grandin based on a common interest. “We just love to talk about contracting. Some of the best times of my life have been working on construction projects. I can relate to people who produce tangible results” (160). Grandin and Uhl’s friendship demonstrates the role that interests play in forming friendships.

Emil Winnisky enlightens Grandin to problems with her appearance and hygiene. As the construction manager at Corral Industries and work colleague to Grandin, he uses direct communication while also respecting her skills. “With much embarrassment I remember the day that he plunked a jar of Arid deodorant on my desk and told me that my pits stank. People with autism need to be counseled on clothing and grooming” (113).