03/19/2025
By Maryum Zaidi

Join us for an enlightening conversation featuring firsthand accounts from caregivers and care providers who support individuals with Autism. This virtual event aims to foster understanding, empathy and community by highlighting both the triumphs and trials of the autism journey.

Attendees will learn about practical strategies, available resources and personal insights that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with Autism and their families.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or advocate, this discussion provides valuable insights into navigating daily challenges and celebrating the joys of caregiving. At the end of the event, we will have time for questions from the presenters and a short survey to assess your overall experience. 

You may join the event at any time. Please mute yourself upon entering Zoom. The first hour of the event will be recorded.

Date: Friday, March 21
Time: 4 -5:30 p.m.
To be held via Zoom

Organizers:
Gordon Donkon Halm, African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL)
Maryum Zaidi, UMass Lowell Solomont School of Nursing
Serena Rajabiun, UMass Lowell Department of Public Health
Ashleigh Hiller and Jiabin Shen, UMass Lowell Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE)

This event is supported by a UMass Lowell SEED grant in collaboration with the African Community Center. It addresses one of the areas identified in the first year of the Delphi study: the caregiving needs of parents of children with autism in immigrant communities.

Agenda

4 - 4:05 p.m.: Welcome by Maryum Zaidi (Moderator), Gordon Donkoh Halm, Executive Director and Founder ACCL
Message from Dean of the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Mary P. Gallant

The following speakers will share their personal and professional journeys with Autism as caregivers and care providers.

4:05 – 4:30 p.m.: Kweku Sam, MD, FAAP
4:30 – 4:45 p.m.: Ganiyat Opeyemi Haruna
4:45 – 5:00 p.m.: Cyndy Muchine

Wrap up
5 – 5:20 p.m.: Attendees Questions
5:20 – 5:30 p.m.: Survey Poll

Speakers

Kweku Sam G., MD, FAAP, General Pediatrician, Alliance Medical Group, Middlebury, Connecticut, 1998- Present
This year will complete my 28th year of general pediatric practice in Central Connecticut. I completed Medical School at the University of Ghana and Pediatric Residency at the University of Connecticut. A very important and integral part of my practice is screening at every age to identify developmental problems, including Autism. Additionally, my first born son, now 29, was diagnosed with Autism / Intellectual Disability in early childhood. I have therefore evaluated children for autism and cared for a child with autism for close to 30 years. I have been very mindful of the traits and lessons I’ve learned from my son. He has made me a better person in many ways. I hope to share some aspects of my professional and personal journey with Autism—The Joys and Difficulties. Dr. Kweku will also utilize the resources shared by UMass Lowell Autism Center specific to the Lowell area in his discussion. 

Ganiyat Opeyemi Haruna, UMass Lowell Department of Public Health
My Name is Ganiyat Opeyemi Haruna, preferred name: Ope ("Praise" in English). Pronoun: she/her. I currently work as a residential counselor with Open Sky Community Services. I decided to pursue a master's in public health to sharpen my skills and "know more, help more." One of my sons is autistic. I know it entails: challenges, the ups and downs of assessing services, the push, the prayers, the hurdles surmounted, and the joys of little and significant achievements! I have received and am still receiving help, and I would love to help and give back to individuals/parents to assess the right services. It is my passion to help and give back to my community (Autism community). My final paper for my policy class is on Autism Accommodations in colleges of higher learning. For my Program implementation class, I wrote a paper on creating autism awareness for parents and caregivers and training preschool teachers on interventions for autistic children aged 2-5 in Nigeria. I plan to implement this paper shortly.

Cyndy Muchine, CARE Advisory Council
Cyndy Muchine is a dedicated mother of two, cultural broker and storyteller who is passionate about sharing the real, unfiltered journey of raising an autistic child. As the mother of a 22-year-old autistic adult, she has firsthand experience with the ups, downs and everything in between. With a commitment to ditching the sugarcoating, Cyndy offers honest insights into the challenges and joys of autism parenting, aiming to help other families feel seen, understood and empowered. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration, Cyndy combines her academic background with her personal experience to advocate for meaningful change. Outside of her advocacy work, she is fueled by her passion for fast luxury cars, embracing the thrill and power they offer. Whether she's on the track or simply appreciating their design, fast cars give her a sense of freedom and excitement. Above all, Cyndy is determined to raise awareness, create a supportive community, and make the autism parenting experience more relatable for everyone.

Please contact Maryum Zaidi or Serena Rajabiun with questions.