Temple Grandin: MI Theory in Practice

Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids. - TED

Grandin recently shared her inspiring story at the 2010 TED Conference. After watching her lecture, I couldn't help but feel Grandin's success was a testament to the educators in her life who recognized we all learn differently - no better or worse - just differently.  Because her natural gifts and talents were nurtured rather than ridiculed, this autistic woman, who very well could have been institutionalized as a child, instead is a leading thinker, effecting real change in the world.  In my opinion, Grandin's life work offers strong support of Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.