Animals in Translation: A book review

by Kelly Flood

Fall 2008

Photograph of book cover.

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (2005), was written by well-known animal scientist Temple Grandin, along with coauthor Catherine Johnson.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Grandin, she is living proof that people with autism can lead distinguished, productive lives, as well as making substantial contributions in the scientific world.

Animals in Translation is based on the forty-plus years Grandin has spent living, loving, and working with animals.

Although many may question her motives, as much of her work focuses on making animal slaughterhouses more humane, it is hard to argue with her offerings on animal behavior.
Anyone truly interested in better understanding the non-human mind can benefit from this stimulating and encouraging read. In my opinion, this book is all about compassion, and it is easy to get past differing lifestyle choices to the core beliefs and rigorous science that can help us better appreciate how animals perceive the world.

Temple Grandin does not claim to know all the inner workings of the animal mind. She does, however, compare it, particularly from a sensory viewpoint, to the neurological systems of people with autism.

According to Grandin, “normal people” (her words) view the world in generalizations and abstractions, and so frequently fail to detect the detail that both autistic people and animals perceive. Using numerous personal and professional examples, Grandin effectively illuminates and substantiates many of the errors even “experienced animal handlers” make in relating to animals.

Chapters titled, How Animals Perceive the World, Pain and Suffering, and Animal Feelings, affirm those of us who value the emotional and spiritual bonds we have with our non-human friends.
At the same time, Grandin fortifies her experience with the science of animal behavior, as well as the practicalities of animal husbandry, thus lending an authority often lacking in related works.
As with any read, we are not forced to swallow it all without question. Instead, Grandin offers a worthwhile invitation that challenges us as readers to ask more (and better) questions in our quest for living a compassionate life.

Similar works by Temple Grandin include, Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals, as well as several books on autism.