Temple Grandin and Early Intervention-An Essay

     Dr. Temple Grandin, an expert in animal husbandry who is autistic, is a popular author on the subject of autism, and has  recommended early intervention exclusively. This does not help older adults with autism who have very few services, if any, available. 

    The answer is not early intervention exclusively, but intervention throughout the lifespan. This is inclusive of children, teenagers, college aged, adults and older adults. Older adults include elderly autistics. Intervention throughout the lifespan is inclusive while Dr. Grandin's early intervention position is exclusive by excluding populations of autistic people.

  There are very few counselors experienced enough for autistic people. In some areas, such as vocational counseling (personal communication, No date), there are no counselors.

    Dr. Grandin was contacted about her early intervention position. She did respond with the following email: Dr. Temple Grandin sent a response to an email The email is as follows: "Dear John - There is a need for intervention through the life span. In my talks, I emphasize early intervention because there are some young kids who get no intervention. You may like my book Different Not Less. Eighteen individuals with autism who were diagnosed later in life write about their experiences."

    It is true that some young children get no intervention. These young children grow up to be among the older adults that have no intervention services available passed being diagnosed

       What do older autistics need? 

• Counselors that not simply, that diagnose, but are also trained to provide therapy, and continue that therapy throughout the lifespan
• Vocational counselors are needed as few understand autism (Personal Communication, No date)
• Diversity programs that include awareness and inclusion of adult autistics people in employment and volunteering
• Shift to a intervention across the lifespan focus for the mental health profession.

    Temple Grandin must shift to an intervention across the lifespan focus starting with early intervention and ending with intervention of older autistics.  No life-stages of autistics are to be ignored. 

    

Reference

Personal Communication (No date)