Temple Grandin: Different Kinds of Minds

An afternoon with Temple Grandin—celebrated author and autism advocate. Enjoy an inspiring lecture, Q&A, and complimentary box lunch.

Program Description

Different Kinds of Minds: (Understanding and Supporting Diverse Thinkers)

This presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin explores the diverse ways individuals think, learn, and process information, with a particular focus on visual, pattern, and verbal thinkers. Drawing on decades of experience in education, industry, and autism advocacy, Dr. Grandin will highlight how each thinking style brings unique strengths as well as distinct challenges across sensory processing, communication, and learning environments. Participants will gain practical strategies for recognizing different cognitive profiles; supporting learners with sensory differences; adapting educational and therapeutic approaches for visual communicators; and fostering real-world skill development through hands-on learning, mentoring, and work-based experiences. The session will also address the importance of early career exposure, internships, and opportunities that help neurodivergent youth build independence and prepare for meaningful employment. This training is designed to enhance the ability of clinicians, educators, and allied professionals to support diverse thinkers in both school and community settings.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of visual, pattern, and verbal thinking styles and describe how these cognitive profiles influence learning and problem-solving.
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3. Explain how sensory processing differences impact behavior, communication, and participation in educational and therapeutic settings.
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5. Describe why visual thinkers may struggle with transitions, and subjects such as algebra, and identify strategies to support these challenges.
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7. Apply practical approaches—including project-based learning, hands-on tools, and mentoring—to strengthen skill development for diverse learners.
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9. Integrate strategies for early work readiness, including volunteering, internships, and structured work-based learning, into educational or therapeutic planning.
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11. Modify clinical or educational interventions to better meet the needs of visual communicators and other neurodivergent learners.

Dr. Temple Grandin — Speaker Biography

Temple Grandin, PhD, is an internationally honored professor, author, scientist, speaker, and advocate whose work has reshaped our understanding of autism, cognition, and humane animal welfare. She is University Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, where she has taught, mentored students, and led research for more than three decades.

Dr. Grandin is the author of numerous influential books that bridge lived experience and applied science, including Thinking in Pictures, The Autistic Brain, Different… Not Less, Developing Talents, Calling All Minds, and her newest works Visual Thinking and Navigating Autism (with Debra Moore, PhD). Her writing has been widely featured in publications such as The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Scientific American, and others, drawing attention to cognitive diversity, sensory processing, and strength-based approaches for supporting autistic learners.

Her global speaking career spans universities, professional conferences, community forums, and large-scale events, where she delivers practical, evidence-informed guidance for educators, clinicians, and families. Dr. Grandin’s 2010 TED Talk, “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds,” has been viewed by millions worldwide and remains one of the platform’s most impactful talks on neurodiversity.

Dr. Grandin has also been the subject of major film projects that have broadened her reach and influence. In addition to inspiring the Emmy-winning HBO biographical film Temple Grandin, she is featured in the award-winning documentary An Open Door: Temple Grandin, a recently released film that celebrates her life, work, and ongoing advocacy by highlighting how her unique perspective on the autism spectrum has informed humane livestock design, advanced inclusive thinking, and inspired generations around the world.

A tireless advocate for neurodiversity, humane science, and practical strategies that empower learners of all kinds, Dr. Grandin continues to influence education, therapy, industry, and public perception. Her work stands as a testament to how diverse thinking can be harnessed for innovation, compassion, and real-world problem solving.

Regional Center Families

This event may be available at no cost to families served by California Regional Centers. Funding may be provided through Regional Center Parent Education and Training (Service Code 102). Please contact your Service Coordinator to confirm eligibility.

Continuing Education

For Professionals Seeking Continuing Education Credits

In accordance with accrediting guidelines, attendance will be tracked at both the start and conclusion of this in-person, live event. All participants will be asked to complete an online evaluation. CE certificates will be emailed to registrants following the event.

PSYCHOLOGISTS

The Help Group is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Help Group maintains responsibility for the program and its content. This course is eligible for up to 1.5 hours of live in person programming and 1.5 continuing education credits.

SOCIAL WORKERS & THERAPISTSThe Help Group is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs. The Help Group maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. This course is eligible for up to 1.5 hours of live in person programming and 1.5 continuing education credits for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. (Provider #64310)

NOTE: If you are attending this event from any other state, outside of California, please check with your state board to see if you can receive continuing education for this event.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

This course is eligible for up to 1.5 hours of live in person programming and 1.5 continuing education credits for Speech-Language Pathologists as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. (Provider #PDP86).

NOTE: If you are attending this event from any other state, outside of California, please check with your state board to see if you can receive continuing education for this event.

CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCEThe Help Group will provide Certificates of Attendance for attendees.

*Breaks and Lunch are not counted toward CE credit.