Your brain wiring matters.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: Compassionate, Inclusive Mental Health Care for Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, and Neurodivergent Individuals and Families Across Michigan
At Mala Child & Family Institute, we believe different is beautiful — and we are proud to offer neurodiversity-affirming care for children, teens, adults, and families across Michigan. Our approach celebrates the natural diversity in how human brains function, recognizing that individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent profiles bring unique strengths, creativity, and insights to the world.
We help neurodivergent individuals understand how they thrive, express emotions in empowering ways, build confidence, and develop practical skills that enhance daily life. Our work doesn’t aim to “fix” or force conformity — it aims to honor each person’s authentic self while supporting their goals, challenges, and relationships.
Different is Beautiful
We also provide the families and partners of neurodivergent people with education and the tools to best support them so they can feel connected and enjoy healthy, safe relationships. We collaborate with other providers to ensure the most effective care possible.
Neurodiversity Affirming Care
Neurodiversity affirming care is an approach within the healthcare and therapeutic fields that recognizes and celebrates neurological diversity. It acknowledges that individuals have different neurological makeups, and there is a natural variation in the ways people's brains function and process information. This perspective embraces the idea that neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological conditions, have unique strengths, abilities, and perspectives that contribute to the diversity of human experiences.
We provide specialized support for:
adhd
Autism
learning DIFFERENCES
sensory processing disorder
giftedness and 2E
PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE(PDA)
Tourette Syndrome
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Epilepsy
DOWN SYNDROME
Learn more about Neurodiversity Affirming Care
Key principles of neurodiversity affirming care include:
Respect for Neurodiversity
We acknowledge and celebrate the inherent diversity in how individuals think, learn, and experience the world. Whether you come to us for individual therapy, psychiatric care, or occupational therapy, we approach you with respect for your authentic brain wiring — never aiming to “fix” or change your core self.
Focus on Strengths
Our team recognizes and lifts up the unique strengths and abilities of neurodivergent individuals. Through psychological evaluations, executive function coaching, art therapy, play therapy, and psychotherapy, we help clients identify what they excel at and harness those abilities in school, work, relationships, and daily life.
Person-Centered Approach
We tailor every service — from couples counseling to parent coaching to psychiatric medication plans — to meet each individual’s needs, goals, and preferences, rather than trying to fit anyone into a predetermined neurotypical mold.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Mala works to create accessible, inclusive environments in our clinics and virtual services. Our occupational therapists address sensory sensitivities, our therapists adapt communication styles, and our school advocates ensure that educational plans (like IEPs and 504s) meet the real-world needs of each neurodivergent client.
Advocacy for Autonomy
Across all services — therapy, psychiatric care, OT, school advocacy, and evaluations — we empower neurodivergent individuals to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their care, goals, and future, honoring their autonomy and agency.
Reducing Stigma
We challenge societal misconceptions about neurodivergence through every interaction. Whether we’re working with families in parent coaching, educating partners in couples counseling, or supporting neurodivergent children and adults directly, we aim to replace stigma with understanding, acceptance, and respect.
Collaborative and Holistic Care
Our clinicians, occupational therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and school psychologists collaborate closely with clients, families, teachers, and other care providers (like speech therapists) to deliver holistic, wraparound support that addresses the whole person — not just isolated challenges.
Continuous Learning and Cultural Competence
The Mala team engages in ongoing training and professional development to enhance our cultural competence and deepen our understanding of neurodiversity. We stay informed on the latest research, best practices, and community feedback to ensure our services remain current, respectful, and effective.
Neurodiversity affirming care rejects the pathologization of neurodivergent conditions and seeks to create a more inclusive and accepting society that values and embraces neurological diversity. This approach aims to shift the focus from "fixing" differences to recognizing and appreciating the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
Learn how to get the care you need.
We provide unique services tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. To learn more about enrolling in one-on-one therapy at Mala, tap the button below. To explore other ways we can work together, keep scrolling.
