Dr. Temple Grandin and her mother Eustacia Cutler are coming to Murfreesboro on August 29th to speak on the autistic brain -- the subject of Temple’s most recent book. During the event, you will also have a chance to ask questions about their shared and individual perspectives on raising a child with autism.

Dr. Grandin contends people need to recognize “the strengths of brains built differently” rather than focusing on an autism diagnosis or the child’s deficits. 

Dr. Grandin’s life story was the subject of the Emmy award-winning film “Temple Grandin” (2010), which garnered seven Emmys, including one for actress Claire Danes as “Best Actress” and HBO for “the Best Film” of the year. 

In 2011, Temple was chosen by Time magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Persons in the World,” citing her as a “hero.”

Dr. Grandin and Eustacia Cutler will be joined also by Maria Wheeler, who will speak and meet people at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro on August 29th. 

Eustacia Cutler is a talented playwright, author, and actress. She is also a graduate of Harvard University.  She will discuss her views on the history of autism through personal experience with doctors in an era when they thought all children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) should be institutionalized, a story which is reflected in her award-winning book, Thorn in My Pocket, as well as documentaries on ASD and Challenged and Emotionally Disquieted Children. 

Also speaking during the day’s event will be Marie Wheeler, M.Ed., who has more than 20 years in the fields of psychology and special education, with an emphasis on neurobehavioral disorders, applied behavior analysis, and specific learning disabilities.  Ms. Wheeler focuses on solutions that work for parents, teachers, and other professionals.

She is the author of two best-selling books, Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues and A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism. 

Register: 

To register for the day’s event, go to www.templegrandin.com or call 1.800.489.0727.  

Past News Story: 

Here is a past news story about a Murfreesboro mother with autistic children