What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedVisual Thinking
Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner · Book
If you loved Visual Thinking, start with Temple Grandin (Mick Jackson, 2010) — a film on the same thread. Below: 1 film, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Visual Thinking across media.
What hooked you in Visual Thinking is the way it celebrates the unique cognitive architectures that allow individuals to perceive, process, and solve complex problems differently.
Films on the same thread
Temple Grandin
Mick Jackson · Film · 2010
Explores: Overcoming adversity, Autism awareness, Animal welfare.
This biopic provides a powerful visual narrative of Temple Grandin, whose journey mirrors the concepts discussed in Visual Thinking regarding how distinct cognitive styles drive profound scientific innovation and achievement.
Series on the same thread
The Good Doctor
David Shore · Series · 2017
Explores: Outsider Perspective, Overcoming Prejudice, Professional Growth.
Much like the case studies in Visual Thinking, this series highlights the intersection of neurodiversity and professional environments, showing how non-traditional cognitive processing offers a unique edge in problem solving.
Jeopardy!
Merv Griffin · Series · 1984
Shares a thread with Visual Thinking: Problem Solving.
If you enjoyed the exploration of human perception in Visual Thinking, this show challenges your brain to synthesize information quickly, mirroring the rapid, associative problem solving that visual thinkers often utilize.
Abstract: The Art of Design
Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Visual Thinking: Problem Solving.
This series offers a practical look at the design thinking processes described in Visual Thinking, showcasing how various creative minds visualize solutions to complex problems within their respective professional disciplines.
Reading Rainbow
Series · 1983
Explores: Literacy, Imagination, Cultural Exploration.
While Visual Thinking focuses on adult cognitive processes, this series honors the imaginative power of the mind, encouraging the same kind of visual storytelling and exploration that defines unique cognitive development.
Podcasts on the same thread
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam · Podcast · 2026
Explores: cognitive bias, human behavior, interpersonal dynamics.
This podcast expands on the themes of human behavior found in Visual Thinking, providing deep scientific context for how our minds function and how we can better understand our own cognitive patterns.
The Telepathy Tapes
Ky Dickens · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Visual Thinking: Neurodiversity Studies.
Building on the curiosity about human potential in Visual Thinking, this podcast investigates the frontiers of consciousness and non-traditional perception, pushing the boundaries of what we understand about the human mind.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Visual Thinking written by Temple Grandin?
Yes, Visual Thinking is written by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner. The book provides deep insights into the nature of visual thinking and builds upon the author’s previous work in Thinking in Pictures to explore how visual thinkers process the world.
What is the primary focus of Visual Thinking?
Visual Thinking focuses on the author’s professional insights into the cognitive processes of visual thinkers. The book explains how these individuals perceive information differently, offering a detailed perspective on the strengths and challenges associated with thinking in pictures rather than through verbal or linear methods.
Does Visual Thinking relate to Thinking in Pictures?
Visual Thinking is a follow-up to the author’s earlier book, Thinking in Pictures. While Thinking in Pictures introduced the concept of visual processing, Visual Thinking expands on these ideas by providing further insights and developments regarding the author's unique perspective on the subject.
Who co-authored Visual Thinking?
Visual Thinking was co-authored by Temple Grandin and Betsy Lerner. The collaboration combines Grandin’s personal experience and research into visual cognition with Lerner’s editorial expertise to present a comprehensive look at how visual thinkers navigate their environments and solve complex problems.