Award-winning scientist and autism rights proponent Temple Grandin visits Benjamin's Hope in Holland

PARK TWP. — An award-winning scientist and renowned proponent of autism rights visited a Holland nonprofit over the weekend.

Benjamin's Hope, a farmstead community for adults with autism, welcomed Temple Grandin during her visit to West Michigan on Saturday, July 9. Grandin, the nonprofit said, is regarded as one of the most inspirational individuals with autism in the world.

More: Benjamin’s Hope reflects on eight years of community

“Young people with autism often become fixated on their favorite subject,” said Grandin, who was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in The World in 2010. “But the key is to take those things and expand it. You need to be able to do things with it that people want.”

Grandin didn't speak until she was 3 years old. She was diagnosed with autism in 1950, and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. Today, Grandin has a doctorate, is an associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University, has designed one-third of all the livestock-handling facilities in the U.S. and is a bestselling author.

"Temple Grandin," a biopic of Grandin's life released on HBO and starring Claire Danes, won seven Emmy Awards.

“Autism is a very important part of who I am,” Grandin said. “People ask me all the time if I could snap my fingers and not be autistic, would I do it? No. I like the logical way that I think.”

Krista Mason, founder and executive director of Benjamin's Hope in Park Township, has been "profoundly influenced" by Grandin's work.

“My son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism in 1997," she said. Grandin's book "Thinking in Pictures," a psychology-focused autobiography, had just been released.

"I remember absorbing every word she wrote," Mason said. "She gave me a window into Ben, helped me understand his autism, and gave me a vision for his future. I think her love of farming were the seeds of Ben’s Hope. She inspired me and gave me hope."

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During her visit, Grandin saw how the men and women living at Benjamin's Hope develop skills to care for animals and tend to gardens.

“The most impactful lesson in spending time with Temple was her unwavering focus on identifying purposeful work for each person," Mason said. "Find (the) thing that motivates each person, and then make sure they have that opportunity.”

Benjamin's Hope and Zeeland Christian Schools plan to host Grandin again for a speaking event in 2023. Learn more about Benjamin's Hope at benjaminshope.net.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Scientist Temple Grandin visits Benjamin's Hope in Holland