Michael Fuell is a 2018 MICC graduate and current Community program participant. He works at the Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, Minnesota.
MICC participant Michael Fuell joined a recent episode of “Today’s Autistic Moment,” hosted by Philip King-Lowe! This Special Edition: What We Have to Say documentary featured reactions and concerns about RFK’s announcements in April about the “Autism epidemic” and an “Autism registry” or “database” with recommendations for advocacy.
Here are a few highlights from Michael’s comments in the episode!
Michael’s initial reaction to the RFK Jr comments:
“I work over 40 hours a week on my own, and I’m able to fully function as an adult. I may have certain things that because of autism, but overall, I try not to let it affect me, and then I see people all around who are able to live free and a fully successful life with autism.”
Concerns about autistic people becoming just a statistic:
What concerned me the most about the suggested registry or the database is that it could be public…You are, even as a statistic, trying to be used towards your own individual purpose to gain, whether it’s good or bad. So, my concern is…we just don’t want to be trapped so, because then it could be used for further gains, for worse or better.”
Advocacy work he has been doing:
“I would say what’s most needed is just find a community that can support you, even if it’s a couple people, like I went to as a graduate of MICC. Not gonna lie, before my first year of going to school, I lived alone at home for a year, doing nothing…then I found the MICC community, which then helped me find a job…which allowed me to then develop necessary skills to nurtured and fine-tuned my work ethic to a point where now I am one of the most reliable workers at the company…I have a roommate who was able to pay rent successfully, because of the community that I found, so even if it’s just general support or lobbying, lobbying has helped out. Then if you find the support of the community, then it will help you be able to actually go out, try to have a work life balance and then live a successful life.”
Listen to the full episode here.
MICC and “Today’s Autistic Moment”
As a sponsor of “Today’s Autistic Moment,” MICC’s partnership with the podcast has been valuable in promoting a positive narrative about autism and supporting the neurodiversity movement. Philip King-Lowe, the host, has created a space where autistic individuals can share their stories and provide insights into their unique experiences. Through this partnership, MICC continues to demonstrate our commitment to autistic and neurodivergent adults creating and living the lives they want to live. Learn more about the podcast here.
