Arts Guides Fall 2019 Preview: North Jersey | Page 30

din. Dr. Grandin is a Professor of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University and an autism spokes- person. She is one of the first in- dividuals on the autism spectrum to publicly share insights from her personal experience and the sub- ject of the motion picture, Temple Grandin. She will speak in Morris- town March 11, 2020. “I think conversations are very important, as we are not only a performing arts center, but a neighborhood gathering place,” said Larena.   “Conversations should be topical, entertaining and informative.  New Jersey’s autism rates are the highest in the nation – 1 in 35 preschoolers are diagnosed on the autism scale by age 4 – so of course, Dr. Gran- din and her activism on behalf of those on the scale piqued our interest.  As we wish to create an inclusive environment for all in the community, we wanted to share her story with as many people as possible.”