Summary: An author challenges prevailing notions that grief is an emotion experienced only by humans. In her new book, How Animals Grieve, Barbara King (College of William and Mary) shows there is ample evidence of many species experiencing loss, love, and mourning. Also: Most Americans who own pets treat them like family members and grieve when they die. Psychologist Sherman Lee (Christopher Newport University) has conducted a study of how different people mourn the loss of beloved pets. He finds that religion and personality are major factors. And: Temple Grandin is known as an expert in the livestock industry and as an eloquent leader for autistic rights. She spoke recently at the University of Virginia College at Wise. Later in the show: One in every 150 American-born children is diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder. Christofer Foss (University of Mary Washington) has examined how autism is portrayed in contemporary literature and film and says it’s time to rethink difference, dignity, discrimination, and other disability issues. Also featured: Nicole Myers (University of Mary Washington) says with proper training, teachers can make significant strides with high-functioning autistic children in the mainstream classroom.
