Temple Grandin Tells Parents to Stretch Kids With Autism Outside Their Comfort Zones
Dr. Temple Grandin, Best-selling author, autism advocate and animal science professor, is asking parents of children with autism to do one simple thing — push their kids.
Grandin says pushing children with autism may be the key to their future success. In her new book, “The Loving Push,” Grandin and co-author Dr. Debra Moore offer a roadmap to caregivers on how to prepare youth with autism for being adults in today’s world.
The book includes the stories of eight people on the autism spectrum and chapters on subjects like how to get kids off their computers and how to build on their strengths. The key, Grandin says, is to push them to do things for themselves and to do things that may at first seem scary. While this may be difficult for caregivers, it is ultimately the best way to find safe and fulfilling avenues of interest for their children.
“You have to stretch these children just outside the comfort zone,” Dr. Grandin tells Fox 5 News in the video below. “You stretch just enough so they develop, but don’t go into meltdowns and problems.”
Get more on the story from the video below:
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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