Autism, Sensory and Behavior: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve heard me speak whether during a neurodiversity training session, on tour or on a podcast, you’ll know I’m a huge Temple Grandin fan. So we were delighted when we were sent a copy of Temple’s new book Autism, Sensory and Behavior: Everything You Need to Know. I haven’t been able to put it down!
But rewind a few years, to when our children were first diagnosed, Temple Grandin’s book The Loving Push was one of the first we read and honestly, it changed everything. Back then, we were trying to make sense of a whole new world.
Diagnosis brought so many emotions; relief, confusion, hope, overwhelm — all rolled into one. The Loving Push gave us something we didn’t even realise we needed: understanding.It taught us that gentle encouragement, belief, and a little push at the right time can make all the difference.
So now reading Autism, Sensory and Behavior: Everything You Need to Know, I had high hopes and… it doesn’t disappoint.
This book is classic Temple. Straight-talking, practical and most importantly for me, full of real-world insights that only someone with lived experience can share. She dives deep into the sensory world, which is often so misunderstood. Covering everything from how autistic people experience sound, light, touch and movement and how these sensory differences shape behaviour.
Behaviours are never random
What I love most is how she explains things that so many parents and professionals misunderstand. Behaviours are never random, they’re communication yet this is so often missed. Whether it’s a child covering their ears, ‘refusing’ certain clothes, or seeming to “zone out” — there’s always a sensory reason behind it.
Temple also shares simple, actionable ideas for helping autistic children (and adults!) feel more comfortable in a world that often isn’t designed for their brains or bodies.
From creating sensory-friendly spaces (something we talk about a lot in workplaces specifically) to teaching self-advocacy and emotional regulation, it’s full of advice you can actually use. And it’s a book you can keep referring back to.
Reading this book reminded me again just how powerful Temple’s voice is in the autistic community. She bridges science and experience in such a human way.
Claire Danes as Temple Grandin
I actually watched Temple Grandin’s film on a plane recently, starring Claire Danes and it was brilliant. Claire’s portrayal of Temple (the film is of the same name) was so powerful and real. Watching her story unfold from childhood, to inventing the ‘Squeeze machine’ through her groundbreaking work in animal science made me love and respect Temple even more, if that’s possible. It’s one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll.
If you’re a parent, educator, or anyone who supports autistic people, Autism, Sensory and Behavior is a must-read. It’s not just informative, it’s empowering.
I’ll always be grateful for the wisdom she’s shared over the years. The Loving Push helped us in those early days, and Autism, Sensory and Behavior feels like a deeper understanding of what’s really going on beneath the surface.
If you’ve read it too, or watched the film, I’d love to know what resonated with you most.