Temple Grandin vs. the Myths RFK Jr. Keeps Pushing

Last week, RFK Jr. (our current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services) made headlines with comments about autism that were offensive and deeply harmful. He claimed that autism has had a bigger impact than COVID because, in his words, COVID "killed old people" while autism affects children early in life. But it didn’t stop there.

He described autistic individuals in sweeping, dehumanizing terms—suggesting they’d never date, never work, never even use the bathroom on their own.

You can watch a clip from it here:

Here’s the truth: Autistic people are part of our communities. Their lives are not tragedies. They are full of value, talent, and potential. They’re our students, our colleagues, our artists, our engineers, our family. And their lives deserve respect, not pity.

That brings me to someone who helps bust stereotypes wide open...

🎥 Introducing This Week’s Share My Lesson History Chat: Temple Grandin

As many of you know, I host a History Chat series for Share My Lesson—and this week’s video features a scientific trailblazer who stands in stark contrast to the harmful stereotypes recently amplified by RFK Jr.

Temple Grandin redefined what it means to thrive on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed as a child and once told she might never speak, Grandin went on to earn a PhD and become one of the most influential voices in both animal science and neurodiversity advocacy.

In this 60-second video, I break down her incredible story—and why it matters. This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a reminder of the power of challenging assumptions and making room for every kind of mind.

▶️ Watch + share

📚 About the Lesson
This lesson introduces students to the extraordinary life and work of Temple Grandin—an autistic scientist, inventor, and advocate who revolutionized the livestock industry through humane and efficient design. Students will explore how Grandin’s neurodivergent perspective shaped her approach to animal behavior and engineering, leading her to earn a PhD in animal science and redesign cattle-handling systems used worldwide. The lesson also highlights the importance of neurodiversity in science and innovation, helping students learn about different ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Your continued support means the world to me. Every time you like, share, or comment, it helps amplify stories that deserve to be heard—especially when those stories push back against harmful narratives (pushed by people like RFK Jr) and celebrate voices too often erased from the American story.

Sharing this post doesn’t just support me—it helps lift up a more inclusive, truthful vision of history and who gets to be part of it.