Category: ASD

Mentone Mentour: Socializing

9/15/2023

Welcome back! I hope your seat is still warm, because today, we’re gonna be uncovering the cold shoulders of truth! That’s right, we’re gonna be covering the most difficult topic of them all:

Socializing…

Now, before you run for your blankets and cover your face with your hands, let me make myself clear: This is gonna be about how to make such a task easier; and not meant to add complexity and difficulties to the already stressful task of talking. I would like to start us off with what is kicking us to today’s topic, that being a recent letter I’ve been bestowed. It reads:

“Hi. I’m new to MICC. I don’t really know how to open up to people or make friends. Do you have any tips?”

First, let’s give a big clap to this individual for speaking out about the issue no one else will. The bravery and tenacity to bring up such a topic is far more than what I have to do! With such a wonderful question, it’s going to be a challenge to come up with an equally wonderful answer, but I think I know how to help.

Instead of fancy metaphors or serving scoops of philosophical banter, I’m gonna give you the solid truth: When we first enter our little MICC world, we’re going to be starting at ground zero. Unless you’re coming in here with a big group, you’re not going to know many people, and they’re not going to know you. When someone is in this position, what is something that helps make connections and elevates the individual? That’s right, conversations!

If we think of conversation topics like different tiers, you have the first tier, being simple questions and pleasant introductions (i.e. “Hello, how are you doing?” or “Crazy weather lately, huh?”), and higher tiers can focus on shared experiences or interests (i.e. “Wow remember what Bert did last week?” or “Hey check out this kickass D&D Character I made last night.”). The tiers themselves are going to be different with each person, but the first tier will always be the same, since that’s where everyone starts! As you make connections and experiences with someone, you’ll slowly notice the tier rising, and you can stray away from the simple questions (if you want), and get right into the gritty fun stuff.

Oh, I guess I showcased another metaphor afterall. Well, that’s what happens when you’re given such an open and difficult question.

If you need to leave reading this with learning only one thing, have it be this: Your creativity is a powerful tool in creating positive connections and experiences. Combining that with patience and empathy will bring you a long, long way.

If this topic has been of interest to you, let me know if I should continue this! Otherwise, feel free to send another question and I’ll get right on it. Or, well, within my weekly schedule…

Until next time, friends of MICC!

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a senior in MICC's College Program, 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!

Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with autism and learning differences. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency.

0 Comments

Why is Autism Awareness Important

4/21/2023

1 Comment

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!

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.

1 Comment

Participants of the Month - Abbie + Eli

2/9/2023

0 Comments

With the absence of a January Participant of the Month, we are celebrating two in February, Abbie and Eli!

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.

Abbie has been recognized by both peers and staff for her outstanding demonstration of RESPECT.

Abbie's kindness and positive attitude have made a lasting impression on her peers. One peer stated, “Abbie is hands down the kindest first-year student on campus this year. Her respect towards everyone she interacts with is truly remarkable.”

Her respect was also acknowledged by a staff member who stated, “Abbie consistently shows respect, positivity, encouragement, and a great attitude in class. She treats everyone she engages with with the utmost respect, and I am always impressed with her professionalism.”

Abbie is a first-year participant in MICC’s College Program. She enjoys taking part in the Budgeting and Banking class and the Story-telling Fitness elective. She has made many new friends at MICC and loves hanging out with them. In her free time, Abbie enjoys baking and wrestling.

Congratulations, Abbie!

Eli has been impressing both staff and peers with his resiliency and responsibility. Despite facing challenges this year, he has remained steadfast and persevered through difficult circumstances.

A staff member praised Eli for his remarkable qualities, stating, “Eli has WOWed me with his resiliency this entire semester, but especially since his return from Thanksgiving break, as he's had to face a lot of challenges - all that were outside his control! MICC staff and students are incredibly lucky to have Eli in the Class of 2025!”

Eli’s responsibility was also noted by a Careers Program instructor who stated, “Eli showed responsibility during his first Certificate Exploration class. He was engaged, completed his work, and worked hard during the entire class. He set a great example to his peers for the first day of classes.”

Eli’s collaborative spirit was highlighted by a staff member who said, “Eli and his roommates did an outstanding job giving a tour to prospective students.”

When asked why he has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Eli said, “My perseverance through difficult circumstances, for helping others when they need it, and for being a really good friend.”

Eli is currently a first-year participant in MICC’s College Program. He lives a keto lifestyle (grain-free, no sugar, and low-carb) and he beat cancer when he was nine years old. His favorite activities at MICC include anything that involves exercise (that isn’t a fast-paced sport), and has enjoyed making a bunch of new friends.

Congratulations, Eli!

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.

0 Comments

Careers Spotlight: Evan

4/26/2022

2 Comments

Evan S., Customer Service Associate at Walgreens

Evan, a participant of MICC's Community Program, graduated from MICC’s College Program in 2019. He has worked for Walgreens as a Customer Service Associate for three years. As a Customer Service Associate, Evan is responsible for the front of the store. He is the main cashier on weekends. He informs customers about weekly sales, Walgreens incentives, and ensures customers leave happy.

Evan attributes his successful transition from school to work largely due to the hands-on training he received through his practicum sites, Arc Value Village, Good Grocer, and Walgreens, as part of MICC's Retail certificate program. Evan emphasized the Walgreens Redi Program improved his skills by learning inside knowledge specific to Walgreens such as stocking, completing outdates, updating weekly and monthly ads, and using a Telxon.

During the Retail certificate program, Evan's communication skills grew significantly. He shared, “I was shy at first, and apprehensive to talk to people. I learned to communicate better and to talk to customers.”

When asked about his proudest moment, Evan responded, “The MICC Virtual Tour. I have a certain voice I put on when speaking to customers at Walgreens, and it became the same voice I put on with the virtual tour. Working at Walgreens helped me become more confident speaking to others.”

Evan’s advice to students currently enrolled in the Careers certificate programs is:

“Don’t define yourself by your flaws or setbacks—you’ll learn and grow from your setbacks.”

Evan did not always consider his communication skills as an area of strength, but now finds assisting customers the most fulfilling part of his role.

2 Comments

Participant of the Month - Maggie

4/12/2022

1 Comment

We are celebrating our April Participant of the Month, Maggie!

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. Here are some of what people had to say about Maggie’s RESPONSIBILITY:

A staff member shared, “Maggie has hosted and organized an unbelievably successful birthday bash for the past two months. Her creativity has increased our engagement levels for the birthday bash!"

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Maggie shared, “I think I was recognized because of my involvement in the birthday bashes."

Maggie graduated from MICC's College Program in 2017 and is an active participant in MICC's Community Program. She is involved in Retro Crafting, MICC's Next Top Chef, and Journaling electives. She also leads a biweekly Sensory Club on Saturdays, and shared, "I love learning new stress relief techniques and sharing them with others."

Congratulations, Maggie!

1 Comment

<<Previous

Mentone Mentour: Socializing

Madeline M.

Why is Autism Awareness Important

Madeline M.

Participants of the Month - Abbie + Eli

Careers Spotlight: Evan

Participant of the Month - Maggie

Archives

Categories