Analyzing Thinking in Pictures
Background/Context:
In Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism, Temple Grandin uses her own experiences and research to give readers a glimpse into the world through the eyes of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have also read and discussed articles that look at how the brain works and develops and how the environment can contribute to that development. For this essay, you will draw upon these sources to write an essay that analyzes Temple Grandin’s experiences and situation by applying the concepts of one previous reading to the novel in more depth.
Your Task:
Choose one (1) of the options below to write about:
- Reflect back on Carol Dweck’s article “Brainology.” Apply her concept of the fixed and growth mindset to Grandin. In what ways does she have a fixed and/or growth mindset? Which mindset is her dominant one or does her mindset develop throughout her life? Use details from the Grandin’s book and Dweck’s article to support the position you take in your thesis.
- Reflect back on the chapter we read from Edward Hallowell’s Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness. Apply ideas from his five-step cycle to Grandin’s experiences as a child and young adult to look at the woman she is today. Based on Hallowell’s concepts and what we’ve learned about Autism, how did this process help Grandin develop (your answer should form the basis of your thesis statement)? How can family/educators foster a happy adulthood? Use details from Grandin’s book and Hallowell to support the position you take in your thesis.
Guidelines:
- Length- a minimum of 1200 words
- Format- You will use MLA formatting guidelines for all papers in the course and will need to include a “Work Cited” page that includes Grandin’s book and the article of your choice (Dweck or Hallowell)
- Organization- Your essay should include an introduction, supporting body paragraphs (3-6), and a clear concluding paragraph.
- Quotes- Use They Say/I Say to help you properly set up and explain your quotes (Ch. 3 and Ch. 7)
