“A Major Change” by Temple Grandin engages with the concept
of improving the welfare of animals bred for the purpose of their meat or other
byproducts. Grandin emphasizes the necessity to be attentive towards the needs
of animals that differ from the needs of neurotypical humans but somewhat
correlate or overlap with the sensory needs of people with autism or other
atypical perspectives. I think Grandin’s strongest argument is her assertion
that the vocalization of animals in slaughterhouses is an indicator of their
comfort. Not only does this argument serve to fill the communication void
between humans and animals a bit, but also she conveys this issue with strong
support and a solution. Grandin provides data that strongly suggests that
vocalization is correlated with discomfort and pain, as it relates to the use
of cattle prods and stressful environments (188). She follows this up by
offering a solution that she personally invented and tested. I would say that Grandin’s
weakest point is her reliance on the assumption that autism and animal
perception are similar. I think it serves to create an empathetic narrative for
the reader to understand the pain and suffering of animals, but I also think
there is a danger that it can be misconstrued to dehumanize non-neurotypical
people.
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