On the 9th of May, as I walk into the beautiful Holiday Inn London – Regent’s Park, my heart is always full. This is not just another event in the calendar — it is one of the most meaningful nights of the year for me, for our charity, and for the entire autism community. The Autism Hero Awards, held in aid of Anna Kennedy Online, are a celebration of courage, kindness, resilience and love. They are a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person with incredible potential, and behind every journey, a story that deserves to be heard.
Each year, I am humbled by the extraordinary individuals we honour. These awards were created to shine a light on those who often go unrecognised — the parents who never give up, the teachers who go above and beyond, the young people who inspire us daily, and the autistic individuals who achieve remarkable things despite the challenges they face. It is about celebrating difference, not fearing it. It is about saying loudly and proudly: you matter, you are valued, and you are seen.
The evening itself is always magical. From 6pm through to 11pm, guests gather for a red-carpet celebration, a beautiful three-course dinner, and a programme filled with entertainment, laughter and, yes, a few tears. There is something incredibly powerful about bringing people together in one room — families, professionals, supporters, and those on the spectrum — all united by a shared belief in acceptance and inclusion. The atmosphere is electric, but also deeply emotional, because every award represents a real journey, often one filled with obstacles that most people will never fully understand.
As a mother of two autistic sons, I know first-hand how difficult that journey can be. When I first started, there was very little support, very little understanding, and far too many closed doors. That is why I founded Anna Kennedy Online — to create a space where families would feel less alone, where information is accessible, and where we celebrate the strengths within the autism community. Over the years, this small idea has grown into a powerful movement, helping thousands of families and raising awareness across the UK and beyond.
The Autism Hero Awards are a natural extension of that mission. They recognise excellence across a wide range of categories — from education and community work to creative arts and lifetime achievement. Every nomination we receive is a story of determination. I often say that choosing winners is the hardest part for our celebrity judges because truly, every single nominee is a hero. Their stories stay with you long after the evening ends.
This year’s awards are particularly special as they sit alongside our ongoing campaigns, including Autism Dance Day — a global celebration of joy, movement and unity. Autism Dance Day is very close to my heart. It is about breaking down barriers through something we all understand — music and dance. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from; when you dance, you express yourself freely. That is the message we want to share with the world: autistic individuals should have the freedom to express themselves, to be accepted, and to be celebrated exactly as they are.
There is also an important purpose behind the glamour of the evening. Events like the Autism Hero Awards help us continue our vital work — providing resources, running workshops, supporting families, and campaigning for better understanding and inclusion. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, helps us to keep going. And believe me, the need is still very real.
What makes me most proud, however, is the sense of community. When you attend the Autism Hero Awards, you are not just a guest — you become part of something bigger. You become part of a movement that is changing perceptions and creating a more inclusive society. You see friendships being formed, support networks growing, and people leaving inspired to make a difference in their own way.
As I stand on that stage on the 9th of May, looking out at a room filled with such incredible people, I am always reminded why we do this. It is for the children who need a voice, for the families who need support, and for a future where autism is understood, accepted, and embraced.
The Autism Hero Awards are more than an event. They are a celebration of humanity at its very best. And I cannot wait to share that special night with you all.
2Shades Magazine 