Discuss the way that Montgomery and Grandin draw similarities between people with autism and animals. Does this similarity seem fair? Does it make you think about people or animals differently?

Several people close to Grandin, such as her mother and Mr. Carlock, supported and encouraged her in her youth. Choose one of these figures and discuss their role in Grandin’s life. What did they contribute to her personality or success? How might her life have been different without them?

At times, Grandin thrived in school, and at other times she struggled. Discuss the factors that helped her and the factors which challenged her. What do you think contributes to the most supportive educational environment for someone like Grandin?