Miro celebrated Autism Acceptance Week for the first time, during the week of May 9, 2022, with the aim of creating more openness and understanding around autism and celebrating differences and the broad spectrum of talents. The week’s events were hosted by the improv theater Boom Chicago, the world champion of kickboxing, a therapist-turned-trapeze artist, and more.
Highlights of the week
We delved into topics varying from what a company can do to become more inclusive to discovering talents that come along with being on the autism spectrum.
Meggie Williams, Lecturer in Industrial Design Engineering and Autism Ambassador, talked about how companies can shift from adaption to inclusion. “Adaption” meaning that those with extra needs tend to have to accommodate company standards and processes, and compensate accordingly. Inclusion happens when an organization creates an environment where different needs for different people are met; think of a dedicated desk for those who need this in an otherwise open-desk workfloor.
Boom Chicago’s Jake organized a fun showcase and workshop where we got to experience an improv session that is being organized for teens on the autism spectrum. Through fun exercises, we not only learn to carefully listen to what the other says, but also read someone’s body language and respond in a fitting way. Boom Chicago hosts their course, called “Interacting” in Amsterdam, but also visits schools and other institutions.
Creating an open environment starts with creating an open mindset. Lacy Alana shared her insights on how to become more aware of biases, with tips to make sure your mind doesn’t trick you into stereotypical thinking. The key takeaway? Always stay curious!
Autism is often seen as something that limits a person in their capabilities, but champion kickboxer Tiffany van Soest showed us how her approach to analytical thinking and the sense of movements, smells, colors, and more help her as a fighter and a visual artist — showing us that with autism comes not just challenges, but great talent and creative possibility.
Interested in more?
Interested in the full sessions? Watch the recordings of our sessions.
