STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will host Temple Grandin Dec. 2 for a book signing and screening of the newly released documentary “An Open Door.”

Taking place at the Wise Center Auditorium, doors open at 5 p.m., with the viewing at 5:30 p.m. and a book signing will follow.

Grandin is a professor at Colorado State University, author of numerous books and scientific publications, and a dedicated advocate for livestock handling, equipment design and animal welfare. Much of her inspiration and passion for her work comes from her unique sensory perception as an individual living with autism.

Christy Bratcher, professor and head of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, spearheaded the event and shared her excitement about the opportunity.

“Regardless of whether you study agriculture or education, are interested in leadership or history, the chance to learn firsthand from the subject of academic lectures is remarkable,” she said. “This event is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about the changing social landscapes of fields like agriculture and academia.”

The College of Education and the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic, or ADDC, is working alongside the CALS to promote the event to their students and clients. The ADDC, located in the new Jim and Thomas Duff Center, is currently the only comprehensive pediatric psychological service center in northern Mississippi. Supporting and empowering neurodivergent children and their families is at the heart of their work and aligns well with one of Grandin’s own beliefs.

As Grandin states on her website, “The skills that people with autism bring to the table should be nurtured for their benefit and society’s.”