MEET THE
FOUNDERS
JOANA'S STORY
My first son Christian is a sweet & loving boy who is deeply cherished by his family and community. When he first received an Autism diagnosis, my husband and I felt lost and confused. We had sought answers abroad because Christian’s pediatrician in Uganda didn’t recognize any concerns. We eventually realized the urgent need for intervention, which turned out to be expensive and intensive. My experience led me to think about other families in Uganda facing similar challenges. I discovered that stigma is high, Autism awareness & acceptance are lacking, and many educators and caregivers require more knowledge and training to support children on the Autism spectrum. Many families also can’t afford the appropriate services for their children.
Despite these challenges, I have learned that there is hope. I embarked on a journey to learn as much as I can, understand Christian’s sensory needs, and teach him through his strengths and interests. The strategies I have learned have impacted Christian’s development significantly and we are incredibly hopeful about the future! Our nonprofit organization’s mission is to create a community of caregivers, educators and Autistic people, and to offer education & advocacy in various forms. Through Kwanza Autism, we hope to spread hope about Autism, so that parents like me do not feel lost and confused on their journey!
CAROL'S STORY
I am a Ugandan Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) based in the U.S., with the majority of my work rooted in New York City. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children on the Autism Spectrum across a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. I have worked with families living in homeless shelters with little access to resources and those in affluent homes with extensive support systems. Through my work, I have witnessed firsthand how having the right knowledge and support can change a child & family’s life..
Beyond the U.S., I became aware of the challenges faced by Ugandan families, and other families living in under resourced communities all over the world. Many parents struggle with stigma, limited access to diagnostic services, and expensive therapy services. Caregivers often feeling isolated and uncertain about how best to support their children.
Joana & I co-founded Kwanza Autism to help bridge this gap. Our mission is to create a space where caregivers can access community, knowledge, and practical training to support their children. Through education, advocacy, and community, we aim to ensure that no caregiver feels alone in their journey supporting an Autistic child.