This interview was held at The Disability Network in Flint, Michigan in May 2023 where Colin participates in classes. In this interview, Laura and Colin discuss his Autism diagnosis, his passion for baking and his hopes for disabled people in the future.

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Laura:

What is your name?

Colin:

Colin Donlan.

Laura:

How old are you?

Colin:

19

Laura:

What are your preferred pronouns? If you have preferred pronouns, it's okay if you don't.

Colin:

I don't really have any.

Laura:

Okay. Would you mind sharing about your disability?

Colin: 

I have autism. I am high functioning. I don't remember exactly when I first was diagnosed with it, but I am sure I was around, I think eight or nine.

Laura:

Very good. What do you like to do for fun?

Colin:

Um, I like fishing. I like playing video games and like seeing my friend.

Laura:

Very cool. What's your favorite video game, right now?

Colin:

My favorite video game? Well, the one that I have that's my favorite is Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Laura:

Okay, is that the new one that came out?

Colin:

The newest Legend Zelda, but the newest one is still in the making. 

Laura:

Oh, okay. Gotcha. I just saw that some Zelda came out and people were really excited about it. What motivates or inspires you?

Colin:

Well, I want to become a baker. So that's what's motivating me right now. And I'm going to college right now.

Laura:

Oh, cool! What are you studying in college?

Colin:

I’m in culinary arts. 

Laura:

Very cool! What's your favorite thing to bake?

Colin:

Well right now the thing that I bake so far was, um, what are they called? Um, peanut butter… I don't remember what they're called, they’re some kind of rice krispie treat.

Laura:

Oh, with peanut butter in them? 

Colin:

Yeah.

Laura:

Oh, yum! I have heard of them, I think. In my family we call peanut butter rice krispie treats with the chocolate on top?

Colin:

No.

Laura:

Not like that? 

Colin:

Butterscotch! Peanut butterscotch.

Laura:

Yum! All right, well, if you ever make those and bring them in, I would be happy to sample them for you. Okay, the last question is what change would you like to see for disabled people in the future?

Colin:

I would like to see a way for them, a way for them to be able to get over their disability, even if it means like, any way that could help.

Laura:

Yeah, just more like, would you say more services or just more help for them? 

Colin:

Yeah!

Laura: 

I agree with that. I think. Yeah, the more help, the better. We all need to help, even non-disabled people, but especially as disabled people. All right, well, great job! That was the interview.