Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions

Temple Grandin has been diagnosed with autism and thinks visually. The visual thinking has helped her in her career with animals. She identifies things that are not easily noticed by others and helps them to work. She likes to identify herself more by what she can do than the label of autism.

The book spends time one the lamentable state of the US education system. Visual thinkers are often shunted aside. They are forced to do algebra and abstract math classes that are not relevant to their needs. We have also not been providing sufficient vocational coursework that could be beneficial. At the same time we are kicking them to the curb, we have a lack of expertise in key "hands on" work. We need to better let people use their skills. At the same time we are delaying verbal thinkers. When students do well at math and school, they should be pushed ahead, rather than have them delayed by others. 

Another part of the book covers the differences between visual and verbal thinkers. The types are not a binary, but exist on a spectrum. There are different areas that people do well on. The autism spectrum also comes in here and can include both types. Though the spectrum is wide and has many overlapping areas. 

The end of the book is a discussion about animals and how they "think" and "feel". It all comes together to give it the feel of "multiple books in one" rather than a single work.