Autism activist and best-selling author Temple Grandin will be speaking at the University of Wyoming on March 23 at 6 p.m. in the Arts and Sciences Auditorium.

Grandin was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, but eventually went on to graduate from Franklin Pierce College with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology and furthered her education by receiving a Master's Degree in animal science from Arizona State University and a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

One of Grandin's most notable achievements is the invention of the "hug box," which is used as a sensory relief device for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The machine simulates a hug by having an individual lay between two sideboards lined with padding, providing comfort for individuals who struggle with human contact. Grandin currently works as a professor of animal science at Colorado State University in addition to giving talks about autism and cattle handling.

Grandin is also the subject of an HBO biopic that was released in 2010. Actress Claire Danes portrayed Grandin and won 3 awards for her performance. The film also took home the prize for "Outstanding Made for Television Movie" at the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards.

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