Latest news with #TempleGrandin
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
A new start after 60: I read out my old diaries online – and my youthful secrets went viral
Betsy Lerner doesn't see herself as a TikTok star – though the New York Times described her as one – or an influencer. That means payment and swag – all she's had is a free pen. 'I really do it for myself,' she says, 'and for the people who follow me'. Lerner, 64, has for 20 years worked as a literary agent for writers including Patti Smith and Temple Grandin. She's an author of nonfiction and now of a debut novel, Shred Sisters – 'a love letter to loneliness'. But the 'doing' she's talking about is on TikTok, where she has amassed 1.5m likes for videos in which she reads from the diaries she wrote in her turbulent 20s. 'You don't know who you'll love, who will love you, what you will do for work, what is your purpose,' she says in one post. 'This morning I found one line in my diary that just sums [your 20s] up: 'I feel as if I don't know who I am, today.'' Lerner posts in her dressing gown, without makeup. Initially she explored BookTok to support her authors. But with her own novel forthcoming, she started posting, camera off, and got no followers. 'A friend told me, you need to be on camera and think of it as your own TV channel … I thought, 'Well, maybe I will read from my old diaries.'' She'd kept one from the age of 11, after reading Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl. 'I wrote my first poems in there. I vented. I tried to analyse myself …' Her journals from the ages of 12 to 18 were lost when her car was stolen, but those from her 20s – about 30 volumes – were stowed in a crawl space in her attic. 'My diaries are very sad. They're all about being lonely, looking for love, looking for friendship, trying to figure out who I was,' she says. Lerner describes herself as 'a late bloomer'. She was accepted on to Columbia's MFA poetry programme at 26, entering publishing in her late 20s when most editorial assistants were fresh from college. 'I didn't fall in love till I was 30. I'd never had any significant relationships … I lost a lot of my teenage years and most of my 20s struggling with depression.' When she was 15, her parents had taken her to a psychiatrist, and she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 'I didn't want to accept that I had this illness. I fought it a lot,' she says. Her 2003 memoir, Food and Loathing, documents her relationship with her weight, food, depression and more, and at one point in her late 20s describes her straddling a ledge on a bridge above the Hudson River. The turning point came at 30. She found a psychopharmacologist – who 'figured out' the right lithium dosage (they've worked together for 35 years) – and she got married. Her diaries stopped. She had written them alone in bed at night. But now, 'I just didn't feel that sad and lonely any more', she says. For years, Lerner says, 'I gravitated toward a lot of intensity.' Now, 'I prioritise stability over everything.' She had never thought she'd write a novel. But in 2019 she came through 'four very tragic deaths'. She lost her mother, then her teenage niece and nephew, Ruby and Hart Campbell, who were killed by a drunk driver, and her best friend, the writer George Hodgman, who died by suicide. 'I still don't know who I'm grieving for at any given time,' she says. In the aftermath of these deaths she started to write Shred Sisters, partly inspired by the online workouts – shredding – she and her two sisters did during Covid to take care of each other, and as 'a way of working through all of that grief'. She is already writing another novel, and for as long as there is material in the diaries, and there is TikTok, she will continue to share them. 'It's all about trying to connect and communicate,' she says. 'There's a constant stream of comments from kids in their 20s who identify with my struggles. That's really what keeps me going. I feel this connection to these kids … I try to say, I felt the same. Hang in. Some heart emojis. Just a little something to say, 'You're recognised.'' Shred Sisters is out now, published by Verve Books. To support the Guardian, order a copy from the Guardian bookshop. Delivery fees may apply. Tell us: has your life taken a new direction after the age of 60? In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@ or jo@ In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity with dignity and respect
Every year on June 18, the world observes Autistic Pride Day, a day not of mourning or sympathy, but of celebration. It is a day that highlights the unique identities, strengths, and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Unlike many awareness days that focus on deficits or challenges, Autistic Pride Day stands apart: it is about empowerment, acceptance, and embracing neurodiversity. What is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and how individuals process information. But to define autism solely in terms of challenges is a limited and incomplete view. Many autistic individuals possess remarkable abilities in fields like mathematics, music, memory, design, and pattern recognition. The term 'spectrum' reflects the wide range of experiences from individuals requiring substantial support in daily life to those living independently and thriving in their careers and relationships. Why take pride in autism? To some, the word 'pride' might seem unusual when associated with a diagnosis. But the pride celebrated today is rooted in the idea of neurodiversity — the understanding that variations in brain function are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Just as we embrace differences in culture, language, and background, we must also embrace neurological differences. For too long, many autistic individuals have heard messages that they are 'broken' or need to be 'fixed.' Autistic Pride Day challenges that narrative. It declares that they are whole, valuable, and worthy of inclusion - just as they are. Different, not less Temple Grandin, a renowned autistic advocate and scientist, once said: 'Different, not less.' This simple phrase captures the essence of Autistic Pride Day. Autistic individuals often see the world in ways that others don't - noticing patterns, solving problems creatively, and expressing themselves in beautifully unique ways. These are not deficits; they are differences. With the right support and inclusive attitudes, these differences can thrive. The role of society Many of the challenges faced by autistic individuals stem not from autism itself, but from societal barriers: limited access to inclusive education, workplace discrimination, sensory-inaccessible public spaces, and pervasive misunderstandings. Autistic Pride Day is a call to action especially for those outside the medical or caregiving community to be active allies. It urges us to: Listen to autistic voices Learn from lived experiences Support inclusive education and workplaces Design environments that accommodate sensory needs And most importantly, to treat every individual with dignity and compassion From awareness to acceptance While awareness of autism has grown in recent decades, we must move further toward acceptance, advocacy, and equity. The goal is not to 'fix' autistic people, but to change the systems that exclude them. This journey starts with conversations at home, continues through inclusive public policies, and leads to a society where autism is respected as a part of the human spectrum not a deviation from it. A message of hope Autistic Pride Day reminds us that every mind matters. In a world that often prioritises sameness, neurodiverse individuals bring authenticity, creativity, and depth. Whether as artists, scientists, thinkers, or simply as individuals navigating life in their own way ,they deserve to be seen, respected, and celebrated. This June 18, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where neurodiversity is honoured, differences are embraced, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect. (Dr. Javeed Zabiullah is a consultant psychiatrist at Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Temple Grandin to speak at Missouri Beef Days
BOLIVAR, Mo. — Temple Grandin — world-renowned animal behaviorist, livestock welfare advocate, autism spokesperson, and one of USA TODAY's 2025 Women of the year — will be a special guest at the 2025 Missouri Beef Days next week in Bolivar. On Friday, May 9, Grandin will greet attendees and sign copies of her books during the Missouri Beef Days Rodeo Market, according to a press release. Additionally, on Saturday, May 10, Grandin will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Missouri Beef Days Parade, leading the procession through Bolivar in a community-wide salute to the region's agricultural roots, the release says. Grandin's pioneering work has transformed the livestock industry and broadened public awareness of autism. Bolivar Schools opens FEMA gym to the public for severe storms 'Her presence marks a major highlight of this year's festival, which honors Polk County's deep connection to beef production,' the release says. For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
The Last Of Us stars Gabriel Luna and Catherine O'Hara recreate adorable throwback shot
The Last Of Us is the show on everyone's lips at the moment, and two of its stars, Gabriel Luna and Catherine O'Hara, took the opportunity to recreate an old photo of themselves. The original image dates back 16 years ago, when the pair starred in another HBO production, a movie called Temple Grandin which was shot in Texas. While Luna also appeared in the first season of the hit series, an adaptation of the massively popular Naughty Dog video game, the Schitt's Creek star has only joined in season two as a character created specifically for the show. Catherine O'Hara as Gail in The Last Of Us. Pic: HBO The 42-year-old plays Tommy in The Last Of Us, one of the leaders of the safehaven, Jackson, who is also the brother of Joel (played by Pedro Pascal). Catherine plays a therapist in the town called Gail, who has taken Joel on as a client, but it is revealed that he shot her husband Eugene, who we haven't met in the show so far, and as a result, their relationship is a tense one. Catherine O'Hara and Gabriel Luna on The Last Of Us. Pic: Instagram Sharing the images to his Instagram, Gabriel wrote: 'Catherine the Great. I've had the privilege of working with Catherine O'Hara twice. The first time was 16 years ago on a HBO movie called Temple Grandin in Austin TX. I was on for only a day and she made me feel like a regular. 'Flash forward to our first day together on The Last of Us and I asked her and our make up department head, Rebecca, to help me recreate the photograph we took back in day. Came out pretty good. Catherine O'Hara and Gabriel Luna 16 years ago on Temple Grandin. Pic: Instagram 'Swipe to the second slide to see a young whippersnapper who feels like the luckiest dude in the business. Matter of fact, that goes for the guy in the first slide too.' As there are many new cast members this season, when chatting to Luna about The Last Of Us, asked him if he had any advice for them. Gabriel Luna as Tommy in The Last Of Us. Pic: HBO Just as Tommy is seen as one of the leaders of Jackson, so is Luna seen as a senior member of the team, and he shared that he didn't in terms advise in terms of how to do their jobs, but he has been bringing them to some of his favourite spots while on the press tour. He said: 'No, I didn't. They're already so talented and came in well prepared, so I didn't say much at work. On this press tour, though, I felt really happy to have been able to share a few things that I had found in my previous trips to these various places. 'We've hung out together a lot, and we have this little family. We eat together, and we do breakfast… we just kind of sit down and download the previous day, but come up with little plans. I took Isabela out to Sacre Coeur, to the market, and we bought her mother some music boxes.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
U of I alum named USA Today Woman of the Year
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A University of Illinois graduate has been named USA Today's 2025 Woman of the Year. Temple Grandin graduated with a PhD from Illinois' College of ACES in 1989. She's known as an advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, a professor in animal science and a voice for neurodiversity. Rain threatens to put Central Illinois planting behind schedule In the early 1970s, Grandin studied cows in Arizona. While she faced adversity at the time, Grandin also said that her autism allows her to think primarily in pictures, which in turn helps her see what cows are seeing, and connect with how they are behaving. This helped Grandin realize that animals might be sensitive to distractions in their facilities, which can lead to injuries and losses. And, it helped her design facilities that were less threatening to livestock, transforming industry standards. U of I named emergency host of IHSA Baseball State Finals When Grandin was at the U of I, some of her research focused on how environments impact the visual cortex in animal brains. Today, Grandin still works to develop better ways to support people who are neurodivergent. Through her work over the years, Grandin challenged the world to value different perspective, and has written several books on her experiences and research. You can find some of her books here. Nearly $1 million in funding coming to expand workforce training in Sangamon County In 2010 Grandin was one of Time Magazine's most influential people in the world. In 2016, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the next year she was named to the National Women's Hall of Fame. You can read more about this year's USA Today 2025 Women of the Year honorees here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
