In 1950, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with severe autism. She did not speak until she was 4 years old and was the subject of much teasing for her unusual behaviors.Today she is known as professor, inventor, author and an expert in animal science. With a movie of the same name and numerous television interviews, Grandin may be one of the most accomplished adults with autism.Warrenton High School will host a “Talk With Temple Grandin” Monday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school commons area.Tickets are free, but in order to attend, people must RSVP by Dec. 8 by calling 636-456-3434, ext. 3. Some seating is still available.Grandin will focus on students and her experience with autism. Her formative years were spent on her aunt’s ranch in Arizona, where she first became interested in the cattle industry.She also attributes much of her success to her high school science teacher who realized she exhibited special talents and interests despite her struggles with autism.“Rigid academic and social expectations could wind up stifling a mind that — while it might struggle to conjugate a verb — could one day take us to distant stars,” said Grandin.Early intervention can make a difference in the lives of autistic children according to Grandin. She often frowns at the labels that are attached to children so they may be eligible to receive treatment.Tammy Teeter, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, said the response to Grandin’s visit is overwhelming, with at least 600 wishing to attend the Monday night event, including teachers, administrators, special needs staff, farmers and veterinarians.“What I’ve been hearing is how Dr. Grandin has touched so many lives by her movie, books and YouTube videos,” she said. “We had a parent call in and ask if they could bring the entire family as her son has autism. She felt it would be beneficial for the entire family to meet her and hear her speak. Her son cried with joy when he found out he was going.”Grandin is currently a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. She is known for developing the most successful livestock-handling equipment in the world. She links her successful designs with her college experiences of handling panic attacks as a result of her autism.For more information contact Diane Miederhoff at 636-456-6902, ext. 2305, or email miederhoffdk@warrencor3.k12.mo.us.In addition to the event on Dec. 12, Grandin will hold a presentation Tuesday, Dec. 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Merchants Building at the Montgomery City Fairgrounds. The event is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Reservations are mandatory.This event is geared toward livestock producers, but all are welcome to attend. Registration begins at 3:30, with a presentation at 4 p.m., and a meal at 5 p.m. Grandin will be the keynote speaker at 6:30 p.m. followed by a question and answer time.“My hopes are that Grandin will bring awareness to people who handle livestock to treat them with respect and calmness as it could improve efficiency in the business,” said Teeter. “There is much to learn here.”To RSVP, contact the Montgomery USDA Service Center at 573-564-3715, ext. 3.The event is sponsored by MFA, Inc., Merck Animal Health, Tarter Livestock Equipment, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Lincoln-Montgomery-Pike-Warren Soil and Water Conservation districts.Temple Grandin