It was a truly inspirational day at Izard County STEM School, where world-renowned autism advocate, scientist, and professor Dr. Temple Grandin met with students, staff, and community members as part of a two-day autism awareness tour in Northeast Arkansas.
Dr. Grandin—a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, bestselling author, and the subject of the acclaimed HBO biographical film Temple Grandin—shared her experience as a visual learner with autism and explained how her unique perspective helped her revolutionize humane livestock handling and design.
Her visit followed her keynote address at Arkansas State University’s “Autism: The Way I See It” event on Nov. 20. The ASU program also features local autism advocate Briar Miller, who has testified before state leaders and now works at St. Bernards Medical Center.
During her time on campus, Dr. Grandin toured the school’s agriculture facilities, visited with students, and answered thoughtful questions during both the assembly and her informal conversations throughout the day. She praised the school’s commitment to STEM education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and developing practical skills that prepare students for success in a variety of fields.
Event organizer Dayna Miller-Black said Grandin’s school visits aim to blend autism awareness with agricultural science, offering students meaningful insight into both neurodiversity and real-world STEM applications.
For students, educators, and families, the visit was a powerful and unforgettable moment—an inspiring day that will resonate throughout the Cougar community for years to come.
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