Medical Care Review: Specials Magazine

By the time most families reach out to Bright Minds LNC, they’ve already tried everything else; tutors, therapists, behavioral charts, specialized schools, endless googling. They’ve followed every piece of conventional advice, implemented structure, and attempted to “fix” their child. But nothing explained why their gifted, creative child, who could build entire worlds with LEGOs, couldn’t sit still during class and had meltdowns over homework. What if the problem wasn’t the child? What if it was the system? Bright Minds LNC was born from this theory—and today, it’s shifting the paradigm of how we understand and support both neurodivergent children and adults. Instead of trying to mold them into what the system expects, the clinic focuses on understanding and embracing their neurodivergence, giving them the support and tools their nervous system needs to thrive in a neurotypical world. “I call them brain styles and neurotypes, not disorders,” says Founder Dr. Anna Jasiewicz, Psy.D., QEEG-DL, BCN. “We see neurodivergence as part of one’s identity with the goal of not inherently changing who people are, but rather addressing any challenges and barriers that arise from being neurodivergent.” Its integrated evidence-informed model goes beyond categorizing behaviors and instead focuses on understanding neurodiversity and just how each brain uniquely supports daily activities. The clinic is entirely run by a team of neurodivergent mental health providers who collaborate to create individualized care pathways, providing care through a lens that recognizes strengths and adapts expectations. It provides practical support and solutions, but most importantly, creates spaces where they feel a sense of belonging and can embrace their authentic self. “Every individual is unique,” says Dr. Jasiewicz. We make sure that uniqueness is acknowledged and embraced with curiosity, compassion and the kind of tailored support that truly changes lives. Discovering the Human Behind the Behavior Making people feel comfortable in their own skin is the first step toward success. Bright Minds LNC champions it. Known for its neuropsychological evaluations, the clinic transforms assessment into a therapeutic intervention, where each test prioritizes a people-first perspective over a narrow focus on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders labels. It all starts with a testing environment specifically designed to meet the sensory and emotional needs of neurodivergent individuals. The room isn’t defined by harsh lighting, strong fragrances or overwhelming stimuli, encouraging individuals to talk more freely about their passionate interests and hobbies.

The ultimate goal of an ABA therapy center is to support children on the autism spectrum and those with related developmental disabilities, along with their families. It’s about helping all children thrive, especially those with communication challenges and other developmental delays. Which is why the first time Steven tapped Abigail Evenson’s — BCBA at Hennepin Autism Center— shoulder and pointed to the toy at the desk was a profound moment for her. It was a simple gesture that signified a beautiful journey and remarkable growth. Just four years ago, he was nonverbal and struggled with behaviors like spitting, self-injury, aggression and running, overwhelming those around him. Abigail and the team at Hennepin worked patiently to understand and decode Steven’s behaviors. They found that many of his challenges stemmed from a lack of communication skills, which left him unable to express basic needs or emotions. Using ABA therapy, they introduced replacement strategies to help him find alternative ways to interact with the world. One of the first strategies was teaching Steven to tap someone’s shoulder to get attention instead of acting out. It was a small but meaningful first step. Slowly but steadily, he began forming sounds, words and eventually sentences. “We tailor our care to meet the unique strengths and challenges of each child, knowing that given the right support, every child can grow, learn and reach their full potential,” says Sulieman Isse, CEO. A child’s journey at Hennepin usually starts with a thorough diagnostic assessment. The process includes in-depth observations and evaluations to understand a child’s needs and preferences. Tools like the VB-MAPP assessment are used to test skills like communication, play, imitation and motor skills. These observations help identify strengths and areas requiring targeted intervention. After assessment, an adaptable treatment plan is tailored alongside parents, ensuring flexibility to the child’s evolving needs. The therapy itself is dynamic and responsive. Each child has their own cubicle, designed to be both functional and personalized, reflecting their individuality. Daily schedules balance desk-based learning with sensory activities like play gym sessions, tactile explorations and fine motor skill exercises. By working in 15-minute increments, therapists maintain the child’s focus while accommodating their sensory needs. Rewards like fidget toys or edible treats are strategically used to motivate and reinforce positive behavior, always keeping the child’s well-being at the forefront. The center places a strong emphasis on developing the learners’ communication skills. For nonverbal children like Steven, picture exchange systems, sign language or speech devices like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are introduced as alternative communication methods. Beyond reducing their frustration these tools also pave the way for verbal communication for the children, helping them break out of behaviors and grow as individuals..