She’s a professor and consultant on livestock animal behaviour, and a best-selling author and activist for those, like herself, who have autism.

And next month, Temple Grandin will be addressing Whitehorse audiences about both the agricultural industry she works in (as a professor and consultant) and on autism.

Grandin is set to make presentations to audiences at the Yukon Arts Centre on Feb. 29 and March 1.

The Feb. 29 event (in conjunction with the Yukon Young Farmers) will be focused on her agricultural work while the March 1 will cast the spotlight on autism.

In an interview earlier this week, Russ Hobbis, an Autism Yukon board member, noted the presentation is drawing a significant amount of interest.

“We have people coming from Alaska,” Hobbis said as he noted Grandin’s history.

When she was four, Grandin was diagnosed with autism.

Her mother opted to oppose recommendations that Grandin be placed in an institution and instead hired a nanny to work with Grandin.

She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and her masters and doctorate in animal science.

Grandin’s work on the ethical treatment of animals and her methods in working with animals have earned her praise from animal rights groups.

Her methods to help those with autism are also widely praised throughout the autism community.

In 2010, she was named as Time magazine’s top 100 influential people in the world.

She’s also been the subject of numerous films, including the 2010 Emmy-winning HBO film Temple Grandin starring Claire Danes as Grandin.

While Grandin lives a busy life with all her work, it didn’t take a lot of convincing to have her come to the territory.

Leslie Peters, Autism Yukon’s executive director, recalled there was some effort involved in getting in touch with Grandin.

Once she was able to touch base with her, Grandin confirmed she’d be happy to attend.

“It was very exciting,” Peters said of having Grandin confirm her attendance.

Peters hopes both the public and those with autistic people in their lives will be inspired by Grandin’s story.

As Peters pointed out, Grandin had to fight “insurmountable odds” throughout her life to reach the achievements she has.

The group is working to also select a young person on the autism spectrum to introduce Grandin for her March 1 presentation.

Applicants or their parents are invited to contact Autism Yukon officials for details on how those interested can apply.

The money raised from the event will go toward Autism Yukon’s plans for a Snoezelen room, a room that utilizes lighting effect, colour, sounds and such for therapy.

The sensory rooms have been used for calming effects since the 1970s in therapy for those with autism as well as others such as those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia and others.

Given Grandin’s expertise and career accomplishments in animal behaviour over the years, Autism Yukon decided to also involve the agricultural community in Grandin’s visit to the territory with the Feb. 29 event focused on agriculture.

“We are so fortunate that Autism Yukon organized Temple Grandin’s visit to the territory,” said Krista Roske, president of Yukon Young Farmers.

“Yukon Young Farmers are thrilled to be hosting an evening event with Dr. Grandin. She is a celebrity in the agricultural world!”

Grandin’s research is extensive and groundbreaking, the group noted.

Her work in livestock management promotes the progressive and humane treatment of animals.

Half the cattle in the U.S. and Canada are handled in equipment designed by Grandin.

She has studied and written about the care and behaviour of cattle, sheep, bison, pigs, horses, dogs and more.

Grandin often talks about how animals “think in pictures,” and this perspective offers a unique way of interpreting animal behaviour.

Grandin’s Feb. 29 presentation is aimed at anyone with an interest in understanding animal behaviour and respectful animal husbandry, it was noted.

As an autistic and acutely sensitive person, Grandin has identified sensory details that can traumatize animals, as well as ways to reduce their stress in novel situations and settings.

In her talks, Grandin interconnects her understanding of animal behaviour with her experiences as an autistic person, the agricultural association stated.

Funds raised from the Feb. 29 event will go to not-for-profit organizations, including 4H Club Yukon, Freedom Trails (a therapeutic horseback riding program for people with disabilities), Yukon Young Farmers and Autism Yukon.

Each of her presentations is set for 7 p.m. at the arts centre.