MEET MAGGIE

Maggie was introduced to Easterseals Midwest three years ago when she was 12 years old. Maggie’s sibling was diagnosed with autism and received our services. Maggie was always so sweet and helpful with the kids at our events but shied away from those closest to her own age and older. Her smile would light up the office every time she came in with her sibling.

At the height of the pandemic and shutdowns, Maggie’s diagnosis of autism was confirmed, and she was approved for ongoing supports from Easterseals. We were all excited to dive into services, but COVID restrictions created a new barrier - contact had to be virtual and not in-person. After a few online sessions, it felt like all of the rapport-building that happened organically with Maggie and her supporter over the past two years was slipping away. The online platform was unfamiliar and uncomfortable for Maggie because, in that forum, she was still the shy girl who would only speak when spoken to - all over again. We felt a bit stuck but never deterred from our goal, which was to allow her the opportunity to socialize and build relationships with peers her own age.

While waiting for participants to join a virtual social group meeting, another girl Maggie’s age who she attended school with logged onto the same teen social group. This changed everything for Maggie. She was able to connect with someone else her age more naturally, and group became familiar and less scary because she now had someone she knew well who was also participating.

Since then, Maggie has become involved in more social groups, PEERS for Teens, tutoring, social outings, and community inclusion. She is a peer model in classes as she is always willing to help others. She greets every teen in her groups by name and remembers their interests, likes and dislikes, and is sure to ask them questions about themselves.

Maggie now enjoys weekly face-to-face community inclusion activities with a peer where she is really blossoming. Over the last three years, Maggie has grown into herself and has learned to embrace every adventure with a smile and can-do attitude.