(ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A national autism advocate is speaking in Little Rock about autism, what it is, and how to address it in your family.
Temple Grandin, is a source of inspiration for those with autism and their families. Grandin is an autism activist who was diagnosed with the disorder at age 2. She's also one of the nation's foremost experts on the treatment of livestock and says she remembers what it was like to grow up autistic.
"When I was little kid I couldn't talk. I can remember the frustrations of not being able to talk. I had extremely good early education and early intervention. I can't emphasize enough develop the child's strength," says Grandin.
Grandin, who designed curved chutes and other systems for cattle handling, worries other autistic children won't get those opportunities. That's the message she spoke about Monday in Little Rock.
"If you have a 2 or 3 year old child who's not talking worst thing you can do is do nothing. Then you got the kids who are quirky and different and I'm very upset that these schools have taken the hands-on classes out. All the art and woodshop and cooking and sewing and welding, because those classes teach practical problem solving," Grandin says.
Clarke Delp knows all too well how autism can affect families. She says Grandin has offered her help with her own autistic child.
"At the age of 6 he was diagnosed with autism. Part of me was a little relieved because I knew what I was dealing with then. Because for 6 years not knowing what I was dealing with was a struggle," says Delp.
Now, her autistic son Warren is 10-years old. She says Grandinhelped her cope with his disorder.
"She has made sure that her life has not been defined by autism. She has accomplished such incredible things. Autism certainly comes with great challenges, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you cannot live a fulfilling life, a successful independent life," says Delp. "She gives me hope, she gives most of the parents, all the parents I know hope that their child can be successful as she is."
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Autism advocate Temple Grandin in Arkansas