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Autism Awareness vs Autism Acceptance

4/28/2023

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Welcome back to our journey in discussing autism – same time, same blog!

This is the final chapter of a month-long analysis about the woes and discoveries of autism. I would highly recommend reading the first two pieces before this one, as they will all come together in the end.
Participant Feature 1: A Trip Through Metaphor Meadows
Participant Feature 2: Why Is Autism Acceptance Important
This might come as a shock for some of you, but I’m here to confess that I do, in fact, have autism. This does not mean that what I write here should be taken as law, because I am simply one person bringing my own perspective on how to improve operations in the nuthouse that we call society.

Earlier this week, I was approached with an interesting question: “Should we call this month Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance?” I kinda just assumed it was just an innocent hypothesis thrown out to spark discussion, but then I did a little digging. As it turns out, this is a surprisingly recurring topic! If you search for the question in Google images, you’ll get several different diagrams of the pros and cons of each, as well as many articles discussing the topic. I have linked them below, and I highly recommend you check out. In the meantime, I’m going to take the three I’ve listed, and quote a specific line from each one. They are as follows:
  • “Awareness is easy. Acceptance requires actual work.” [Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)]
  • “Awareness is trying to cure me. Acceptance is not trying to cure me.” [Barrier-Free Blog]
  • “Awareness does not imply doing anything different. Acceptance is taking action.” [ASK Advocates for Spectrum Knowledge]

There’s a pattern at play. Not only are these three quotes delivered under the same formula, but digging a little deeper into the authors of these pieces reveals that they all share an autism diagnosis. It’s unknown if this is coincidence or clever collaboration, but the point stands in that there is a common message trying to be spread. But that’s not all… look at some of these publication dates: these were all published years apart from each other; with the first article being published way back in 2012!

So… what gives? Why are we still discussing the same question, and how can we finally come to an answer?

Let me introduce to you: “The Attendance” Theory. (I did not grab this from anywhere; I’m completely making this up as I go, but bear with me.)

This is the theory that, for people who don’t belong in a specific minority group, when it’s time to support said group, there’s a larger importance on the presentation of support rather than the actual support. We can show our colors during June, dump as much ice water on our heads as we please, and remember that we have to remember black history during February as we want, but how much of that is going to help if our rights are still going to be held hostage at the end of the day? As much fun as it is to celebrate and write a social media post about the month to feel good, nothing will change unless we firmly state that anything other than acceptance is inexcusable. You can’t stop a bully by looking passively, but rather by stepping in and actively defending the victim.

This brings us back to our very friend we encountered in the beginning of this series, Lamorn. The Metaphor Meadows is a mysterious and perplexing place with many ways to interpret its events, but let’s view our story as a representation of awareness vs. acceptance: Awareness was happening, but it wasn’t what Lamorn wanted. It was only until we gave a mutual exchange of support and love, that they were able to feel happy and be themselves. This event of acceptance only happened once someone, who was in very many ways the same as Lamorn, had to step out of their own comfort to lend support; they showed the same awareness as everyone else did to Lamorn, but added the extra ingredient of accepted-ness to deliver the message.

Okay, let’s step back for a second. April has been a hectic month for many of us, and there was a lot said in this post. I want to take a second to thank everyone for the little ride we’ve journeyed through during this time. Hopefully you learned a little something, and if not, well, I must have been doing something right to keep you hooked this far.

Until next time!

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Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a junior at MICC, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls-- Creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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Careers Spotlight: Dustin

4/25/2023

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Meet Dustin, a proud MICC student who exudes his hard work and dedication. You can hear the pride in his voice when he introduces himself as "MICC student, Dustin" on his voicemail greeting.

In the past few years, Dustin has made incredible progress. He was once "incredibly nervous" during his interview at Davanni's, but he trusted his two-plus years of skill-building at MICC, which ultimately paid off. He negotiated an on-the-spot offer, making it clear that he needed a work-school balance, and has been excelling ever since.
Dustin has become a master at pushing past his concerns and making himself comfortable. At Davanni's, he teaches himself tasks outside of his regular duties and approaches the ever-changing landscape of the restaurant industry with a zen-like attitude.

But Dustin's drive doesn't stop there. His MICC Advisor has been encouraging him to socialize with peers outside of regular MICC activities, and he's been thriving. He even tried his hand at public speaking before MICC's 5K event and then ran an impressive 3.2 miles.

Six months later, Dustin was standing in front of 500 people co-hosting MICC's 2022 gala. Despite being nervous, he couldn't say no to the opportunity. And we're glad he said yes, he did a great job! Dustin also play drums for MICC's Rock Band!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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Why is Autism Awareness Important

4/21/2023

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Last time, we took a trip through the Metaphor Meadows, and discovered a creature whose abilities and identity revolved around what they presumed was “acceptable”. If you were confused as to what that post was all about, or didn’t understand what was happening, consider this to be a cheat sheet to the questions presented in that story.

To start us off, there’s an important piece of information that I’m going to share with you right on this text here. You might not like it, your peers might not like it, and the state of Florida certainly isn’t gonna like it, but it’s a factoid that is going to be central for my future paragraphs:

There’s no such thing as normal.

Sure, you can have normality in the sense of recurring, consistent patterns when talking about events (Think, for instance, a “normal” rush-hour on a Wednesday, or a “normal” response to reading this being “What are you talking about?”), but when it comes to human identification, what is supposed to be our normal.

The reason why I bring this up in relation to ASD is because there is an unfortunate movement where autism is being seen as something to be “cured”. As in, someone who is diagnosed with it can become “normal” after being supposedly treated for it. There are many problems with this line of thinking, but the question I’m posing for today is… How can we even generate normality if the very concept is a societal construct?

Autism awareness is important because it’s a beautiful representation of how we can typically barricade ourselves into what we deem as socially acceptable. For example: I have a fidgeting habit, and love to grab random things to tinker with them while speaking or listening to someone. There is no greater motive for doing it other than the mentality that: This makes sense, and it helps to concentrate on the important task at hand (Well, the other one; not the tinkering task).

In the world we live in today, where the most alluring wear the fanciest of suits, and business can be done in blood as long as the hand is shaken with a smile, it’s important to remind ourselves of our roots as wonderful creatures that tend to do “unnormal” things to make ourselves or others happy.

It would be our own downfall to idealize what we think of as a “normal” human, because no such thing exists.

Hope you’re having a wonderful Autism Awareness Month. See you next time!

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Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a junior at MICC, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls-- Creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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Participant of the Month - DG

4/19/2023

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We are celebrating the April Participant of the Month, DG, a College Program junior! (They would like to be anonymous on social media, but we still want to celebrate the great work they have been doing as a participant!)

Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. DG has been recognized for their outstanding demonstration of responsibility, resilience, and respect at MICC.
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Their positive attitude and willingness to help others have been recognized by peers and staff members. Their commitment to being responsible for their actions and their remarkable progress in developing self-awareness have also contributed to this recognition.

One staff member shared, "DG is waiting and ready to start their day when I arrive on campus on Sundays. They wish me a good morning, asks me how I'm doing, and offers to help me unlock and get the Student Center ready for the day. Their help and thoughtfulness are very appreciated and are a positive start to my work week!"

DG has been working hard to identify what is upsetting them and recognize their actions, even apologizing when necessary. They have been able to calm down in situations, and takes responsibility for their actions. Another staff member shared, "There were a few times where they were getting agitated, but they self-corrected and finished the task. They don't even say, 'It isn't all about me' much anymore, just 'Okay!' They have made tremendous strides since the beginning of the year."

DG's resilience and personal budgeting skills have also been commended. They have been working hard to track expenses and practice budgeting skills, which is an important part of his journey towards living a healthy, independent, integrated life.

When asked about their favorite classes, electives, and socials at MICC, DG shared that they enjoy the Exercise for Life and Basics of Martial Arts classes. They believe their commitment to following required classes and learning how to control behaviors is what led to this recognition as the Participant of the Month.

Congratulations!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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A Trip Through Metaphor Meadows

4/13/2023

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Happy April, readers! In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, I am here to record my findings of an outstanding discovery found in the ‘Metaphor Meadows’. This is a place one can’t truly visit physically, but are given passage through their mind. Once you allow those clouds to blanket your vision, you’ll uncover the discoveries this place has to offer. Today’s finding is…

A Lamorn: A colorful, shapeshifting entity that peacefully travels the meadows in search of companionship.

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Despite their ability to makeshift themselves into whatever they choose, they try to mold themselves into your everyday human, with the same capabilities and potential. I became fascinated by this creature, and followed behind them without a trace. In doing so, a pattern started to arise:

When approaching any creature, they would slowly lend their hand, and just wait. The other parties would give different reactions, and would sometimes even blankly stare back, until one of them lended their own hand. When the hands collided, time lost its meaning, and the environment oozed a scent of peace. That was, until the Lamorn began to bubble, like a spiced chili that escaped from the clutches of an oven. When the others noticed the physical discrepancy, the Lamorn only bubbled more, and more… Until finally, the mask broke, and revealed the entity in their base form: The same colorful anomaly that we first recognized from the beginning. Not a moment later, dust picks up from scurrying, and the Lamorn remains isolated again. It was becoming hopeless, until I reached an epiphany, and began brainstorming…

After a long, failed day of rejection, the Lamorn aimlessly drifted in one direction. No logical thoughts, and a loss of what they intended to accomplish that day. When they were about to stop and melt in their own sorrows for the night, they took one glance up. A hand was reaching out to them. They, like the other creatures, stood there in silence, and stared. The moon stopped rising through the horizon, and the early stars paused their twinkling. They grabbed my hand, and we stood there content, with an inner mutual understanding. Only after we smiled back at each other, I started to bubble, and their physical presence was mirrored. We smiled, hugged… and talked about the most obscure pieces of literature and television for 12 hours.

An incredible lesson was learned about the fear of our own representation, and what we feel we need to turn into despite our limitless possibilities. But now, only one question remains: how many others have bubbled?

​This is a question I wish to forward to you, dear readers. As we go through this month together, try to be mindful of any bubbling sightings, and give comfort. Our strongest tool is encouragement, and the truth that there’s no reason to fear it; even if it ends up popping.

Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a junior at MICC, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls-- Creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.