Uncovering the Secret Language of Animals: How Autism Helps Us Understand Animal Behavior

Carol Mccoy: If you’re interested in animal behavior and the connection to autism, this is an interesting read by Dr.Temple Grandin.

United States on Sep 04, 2023

Nicki: Well written and interesting insight from someone who really understands animals.

United States on Aug 25, 2023

Riverbank: This book by Temple Grandin is one I had never heard of even though I have worked with people with Autism and with a variety of animals over the years. It was only when I looked for a list of the books that Temple Grandin has written that I spotted this one. Thanks to the great ABE site the book was on my desk in a week looking like it was new and far faster than it would have been if I contacted my local library.

United States on Mar 24, 2023

Ilenia 13: Libro entusiasmante, da divorare. Sistematico e chiaro, suddiviso in capitoli che analizzano via via molti aspetti della percezione e delle reazioni degli animali.
Temple Grandin è un mito, tutti dovrebbero leggere i suoi libri. Il saggio diventa narrazione che ti prende e ti colpisce, quando leggi gli aneddoti riportati su diversi animali o presi direttamente dalle esperienze di vita dell'autrice.
Grazie alla trattazione scientifica semplice da leggere, è anche meraviglioso per comprendere come funzionano il cervello e la percezione della specie umana e del regno animale cui appartiene.
Lo consiglio a tutti quelli che amano gli animali e vogliono una lettura appassionante e al contempo dal valido contenuto scientifico.

Italy on May 01, 2020

Upasaka Fabiano: Existem várias perspectivas sobre como os animais se relacionam com seu ambiente, e a maioria delas são antropomórficas. Em que pese termos uma visão humana sobre o tema, Temple Grandin tem a sensibilidade necessária para ver esses seres sobre um outro ângulo, mais próximo de como eles veem seu próprio mundo.

Brazil on Aug 22, 2018

joyce: Se mettre à la place des animaux, au sens propre du terme, c'est ce que fait Temple Grandin. Ainsi elle comprend leurs réactions, leurs peurs et nous explique tout cela. Cette femme est vraiment géniale.

France on Nov 06, 2014

Cabinguy: We as human animals understand so little of the animals we live and work with because our understanding of what we have in common has been so stunted; this book admirably builds a bridge for us in achieving that understanding, and touches something beautiful in our appreciation for all life as a result. Worth every cent - you'll have a different view of the world and of yourself.

Canada on Jul 26, 2014

Hilary L. Hand: This book has many fascinating facts and theories. I was very intrigued by the studies of the past, present, and of course what knowledge will be gained in future studies and applications of findings. The relationship between the way animals (mostly mammalian) Think and Process information comparatively with that of Autism was quite fascinating. Learning some of the behaviors, of both yet also separately, I'd up to now not heard of was somewhat enlightening. However, the purpose of my 4 Star Rating is twofold: (1) This book was incredibly brief ; it almost read as a pamphlet or a, pardon me, "Cliff Notes" guide. (2) This book was sent as a Recommended Read, not only by Amazon, and a couple of online veterinary websites for, helping to understand a cat's behavior when Terminally/Chronically ill. In fact, Chapter "5" was supposedly to be dedicated to this delicate time. I double checked the websites, and read the description for this book and I admit I was baffled at the start but assumed the book would cover a wide range of behaviors and situations. But, do keep in mind, this was my error. The author(s) cannot be held accountable for every website that may reference their work. The...

United States on May 27, 2013

C. Johnson: Temple Grandin was profiled in a BBC Horizon documentary a year or two back as `the woman who thinks like a cow'. A somewhat uncomplimentary portrayal you might think, until you appreciate that Grandin is a gifted professor of animal science and champion for autism, and that cows are far more interesting creatures than might often be assumed.

Grandin discovered that her way of viewing the world corresponded very closely to the perceptions of many animals. As a trouble-shooter on farms and ranches across the USA, she found that she could very often just `see' the problems which were scaring cattle and bringing their owners to the brink of despair. Combined with her prolific research and writings, autism has been a rare gift, enabling her remarkable work.

As a novice in the field of animal science, I felt fascinated and challenged by the wide mix of ideas this book presents. Topics as diverse as why pigs enjoy snuggling up to each other and genetic aggression are introduced in easy, layman's terms, giving interesting details about the research but also recognising that scientists don't yet have all the answers. Grandin challenges us to question a lot of what we might...

United Kingdom on Mar 11, 2008

David Thomson: I have been reading Animals in Translation for almost a month. There is so much to learn between its covers. Temple Grandin suffers from autism. This lifelong affliction, though, apparently helps her to better understand the animal kingdom. An autistic human being thinks in pictures---and this is probably the way an animal perceives the outer world. Thankfully, I saw no evidence that she shares the fatuous philosophical views of Peter Singer. Animals are not equal to us. Some people may even have to eat them to remain healthy. Vegetarianism is not always a viable option. Grandin does not make the mistake of anthropomorphizing these creatures. On the contrary, she warns that this inevitably hurts them. Are you a dog lover? Her insights on how best develop a viable relationship with your canine friend is alone worth the price of this splendid book.

Do you remember B.F. Skinner? It seems that he was not always the perfect gentleman. Grandin is also not sure if the famous behaviorist theories pass the test of logical consistency. Are you worried about the conditions of our slaughter houses? The author provides recommendations that could alleviate much suffering. Our elected...

United States on Jan 22, 2005