Dr Anna Kennedy OBE New Year Speech .
By Steven Smith.
As we step into 2026, I want to begin by thanking every single reader of 2Shades for your continued support, compassion, and commitment to inclusion. Each year brings its own challenges, but it also brings fresh opportunities to listen, to learn, and to act — and it is that collective spirit which continues to drive the work my husband Sean and I are so proud to be part of, with the help of an incredible team of unpaid volunteers at Anna Kennedy Online.
One of the highlights already firmly marked in my diary is the Autism Hero Awards, taking place on 9 May. These awards are incredibly close to my heart. They exist to celebrate the unsung heroes within the autism community — parents, carers, professionals, advocates, and autistic individuals themselves — whose dedication so often goes unnoticed. The Autism Hero Awards are not about red carpets or grand gestures; they are about recognition, visibility, and gratitude. They remind us that change is driven by people who show up every day, quietly and consistently, to make life better for others.
Creativity and self-expression will also take centre stage this year with the Autism and Art Show, opening in July at the FirePit Gallery. Art has always been a powerful vehicle for communication, particularly for autistic individuals who may find traditional forms of expression limiting. This exhibition is not only a celebration of artistic talent, but a statement: autistic voices deserve to be seen, valued, and taken seriously in cultural spaces. The Autism and Art Show continues to challenge outdated perceptions and offers audiences the chance to engage with autism through creativity rather than cliché.
February also brings an exciting and meaningful moment with the book launch by Samantha Lee Howe, taking place on 28 February, in aid of Anna Kennedy Online. Samantha’s work is deeply personal and profoundly resonant, and this launch is a wonderful example of how storytelling can build empathy while directly supporting autism advocacy. Events like this remind us that awareness and action must always go hand in hand. Samantha is also a judge at the Autism Hero Awards, which we are delighted about.
This year also marks the 15th anniversary of Autism’s Got Talent, a milestone that fills me with immense pride. Over the past fifteen years, Autism’s Got Talent has provided a platform for autistic people to shine on their own terms — celebrating ability, ambition, and individuality. It has been a joy to witness so many participants grow in confidence and self-belief, and to see audiences rethink what talent truly means.
Beyond events and milestones, ongoing conversation remains vital.
I am delighted to continue co-hosting my radio show on Gateway Radio, alongside Aston Avery. The programme gives us space to discuss disability, inclusion, mental health, and real-world challenges honestly and accessibly. Radio remains a powerful medium for reaching people who may feel isolated, unheard, or overlooked — and those conversations matter more than ever.
However, alongside hope and celebration, there are serious concerns that cannot be ignored. One of the most pressing is the future facing younger autistic people as they grow into adulthood — particularly what happens when parents or primary carers are no longer there. Too many families live with quiet fear about long-term support, independence, housing, and care. Systems are often fragmented, under-resourced, and slow to respond. As a society, we must do better at planning for lifelong autism support, not short-term solutions.
Sean and I remain committed to fighting for diversity, inclusion, and practical change. Advocacy does not end with awareness campaigns; it continues in policy discussions, education, employment, healthcare, and community support. We will continue to challenge inequality wherever we see it and to stand alongside those who feel marginalised or forgotten.
As we move forward into this new year, my hope is simple: that compassion leads action, that listening leads understanding, and that inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can — and will — continue to make a difference.
With warmest wishes for a hopeful, inclusive, and empowering year ahead.
END
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