Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin is depicted as an uncommunicative child who experiences frequent meltdowns and is diagnosed with autism. The film shows how the era wrongly linked autism to schizophrenia and to insufficient maternal affection. Rather than consigning her to an institution, her mother hires therapists and advocates for her development.

In 1962, at age 15, Temple travels to her aunt and uncle's ranch to work and observe farm life. She watches cows being placed into a squeeze chute to calm them and uses the chute herself during an anxiety attack to center her focus. The experience plants the seed for her lifelong interest in humane handling and sensory-driven learning.

Inspired by her teacher Dr. Carlock to pursue science, Temple enrolls in Franklin Pierce College. There she begins developing an early version of the squeeze machine as a personal calming device during stressful times. The project ignites her curiosity about how design can affect behavior and wellbeing.

The college misinterprets Temple's squeeze machine as an unlawful sexual act and alerts the authorities, who seize and destroy the device. Undeterred, she pivots to a scientific approach by proposing tests to demonstrate the device's therapeutic use. The incident strengthens her resolve to validate humane design through research.

To defend the device's purpose, Temple creates a rigorous protocol to test subjects' reactions and ensures the machine functions as a calming tool rather than a threat. Her method aims to provide objective evidence of the machine's therapeutic value. The work marks a turning point in her scientific approach to animal and human behavior.

Temple graduates with a degree in psychology and then pursues a master's degree in animal science. Her academic achievements help establish credibility in both human and animal behavioral research. The education sets the stage for her later contributions to humane livestock handling.

Temple confronts sexism in the cattle industry as she proposes a new dip structure that allows cattle to move through voluntarily rather than being forced. She believes this humane approach can improve welfare and efficiency on ranches. The concept begins to change how people think about cattle handling.

The dip structure initially works as intended and garners favorable coverage in the local press. The positive reception encourages Temple, reinforcing that her ideas have practical merit. Despite this, some skepticism remains in the ranching community.

Ranch hands modify the device, leading to the drowning of several cows and a setback for Temple's project. The incident fuels her anger and determination to refine the system to prevent future harm. She vows to push forward with safer, more humane methods.

Angered by the sabotage, Temple visits Dr. Carlock to seek guidance. The meeting leaves her encouraged to continue working to improve the industry and even to consider starting her own slaughterhouse. The talk reinforces her belief in hands-on, humane solutions.

A few days after the visit, Temple learns by phone that Dr. Carlock has died, a personal setback that deepens her resolve to carry on his legacy through her own work. The loss acts as a milestone in her career, shaping her future path. She continues to pursue her goals in science and industry improvement.

Temple meets Betty, whose husband works at a slaughterhouse, and shares her layout ideas for improving slaughterhouse efficiency and welfare. Her plan is tested at the facility and proves to be effective in practice. The success cements her reputation as an innovator in humane livestock handling.

Years later, in 1981, Temple arrives at the National Autism Convention and shares her life story with attendees. She speaks about her experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs, helping to raise awareness about autism. The convention marks a turning point in public understanding of autism and Temple's public role as a spokesperson.