A while back my mind was enlightened by life experiences of Temple Grandin as depicted in her documentary. I recommend seeing it to anyone wanting to understand Autism. More on this below.
Recently I heard the phrase 'templed hills' in America and one image that came to mind was that of hills covered with majestic pine trees. These words could also mean a lonely place made holy by communion with the infinite: a place of quiet meditation and enlightenment.
I think of heartbreak hill of the Boston Marathon. Hills can be representative of difficulty in our lives. A templed hill could be a difficulty that allows us to become something more or someone who changes the world.
Autism is a condition of the mind, diagnosed mostly by observing behavior. For example, not speaking until three is a sign of autism, as is thinking mostly in images. This means to me that understanding the spectrum of nuerodiversity and other mental configurations remains an art, not just a science.
I believe that are many many smaller conditions and perhaps combined together they make the unique mind. By exercising certain pathways underdeveloped sections could possibly actually improve or grow. In any case, suffering from a minor divergence similar to dyslexia allowed me to struggle and ultimately develop a disciplin of thought that has much blessed my life. I've also spent years trying to improve my mind.
I heard someone say if you are born beautiful you're lucky, but if you don't die beautiful, it may be your fault. Maybe that is also true of one's mind. Temple Grandin's mind is a temple: a place bringing greater enlightenment to herself and others.
A video on Grandin's official website shows how a little bit of autism is in many, including among computer experts and inventors. For some reason the Wright brothers keep coming to mind, but I don't know if they fit in this group.
I believe among us are many who are gifted and perhaps less than appreciated. I want to express gratitude to those whose minds do amazing, less-traditional things.