Partner Spotlight: Muna Ali - Autism Alliance of Michigan

Muna Ali

Every week, Muna Ali quietly arrives at the clinic and sets up her table. With a gentle smile, she arranges her resources within easy reach for mothers seeking answers about their child's communication, social skills, and developmental milestones. In the midst of the clinic's busyness, Muna creates a safe space where moms can pour out their hearts and find acceptance, understanding, and hope. 

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) was founded with the vision that individuals with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. Muna embodies this vision through her dedicated work. She came to this field after serving as a behavioral technician, where she witnessed families struggling to find answers and resources to help their children thrive. Seeking a role where she could advocate for parents and families, she joined AAM to connect them with essential resources. 

Now, Muna collaborates with Luke Clinic families, linking them to appropriate services and providing much-needed support. AAoM offers various essential services, including connecting families to a navigator—a lifelong guide providing professional help and answers for anyone touched by autism. 

One notable story involves Marianne, a patient who kept her school-age child at home because the school failed to provide the necessary support and accommodations for her son's needs. AAoM stepped in to help her work with the school and advocate for her son. “It was overwhelming to go up against the school district. It was easier to keep my son home than attend meetings where I felt out of my depth and my voice wasn’t heard,” Marianne shared. 

Muna explains that signs of autism can be detected as early as 6 to 18 months of age. She advises parents to look for signs such as absence of sounds, no attempts to communicate, and a lack of pointing or following instructions. She reassures families with concerns, saying, “It's common to be scared of an autism diagnosis, but remember, your children just process information differently. There is a community of experts waiting to help you and your child, and we are here to support you—you are not alone.” 

This message of hope is central to our mission. We are thrilled to partner with Muna and AAoM to provide targeted support and encouragement to families. Together, we aim to offer a brighter future for every child and family we serve.