Anna Kennedy here, wishing all 2Shades readers a Happy Holiday, a wonderful Christmas, and a brilliant start to 2026.
As we head into one of the most magical—and often most demanding—times of the year for families of autistic children and adults, it’s important to remember that the festive season can bring unique challenges. While Christmas is filled with lights, music, gatherings, and excitement, these same elements can also create sensory overload, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. With a little planning, understanding, and flexibility, it’s possible to create a festive period that feels joyful, calm, and inclusive for everyone.
Here are my top seven tips to help ensure the Christmas season goes smoothly for autistic children and adults, as well as their family and friends:
Keep routines where possible. Routines offer predictability and comfort, especially during a time of year when everything else seems to change. Try to keep familiar daily patterns in place — this can include mealtimes, bedtimes, and regular activities. Even small, consistent moments can help anchor the day and reduce stress. My son Angelo thrives on routine and planning, as things can become quite overwhelming for him.
Create a quiet, safe space. Christmas often means a busier house, louder environments, and extra stimulation. Setting up a quiet area in the home — such as a bedroom, a corner of the living room, or a cosy den — can allow someone to step away and regroup when needed. You know your child or adult best, so place comforting, familiar items such as soft blankets, favourite toys, calming music, or noise-cancelling headphones.
Prepare for changes in advance. Many autistic people feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. Talk through upcoming events such as school plays, family visits, or trips to busy shops. Visual schedules, countdown calendars, or simple checklists can all help. This preparation reduces anxiety and provides a sense of control.
Introduce decorations gradually. The sudden arrival of bright lights, strong scents, and sparkly decorations can be overwhelming. Instead of transforming the house overnight, add decorations slowly over several days. This gentle approach allows the sensory environment to shift at a manageable pace and gives everyone time to adjust. This really helps my son, as changes in familiar surroundings can be upsetting for him.
Be mindful of sensory overload. Christmas comes with many sensory triggers, such as flashing lights, loud music, unfamiliar foods, and busy gatherings. Think about the sensory needs of your loved one and tailor celebrations accordingly. You might dim lights, lower music volume, offer familiar snacks, or plan shorter visits. It’s all about creating comfort, not pressure.
Manage expectations. Not everyone wants a busy, noisy Christmas — as I know well with my own family — and that’s absolutely okay. Traditions may need to be adapted. Smaller gatherings, shorter activities, or celebrating at home rather than travelling may be more suitable. Focus on what feels right for your family rather than what is expected.
Allow time for rest and recovery. Even enjoyable events can be draining. Build in downtime before and after activities. Gentle routines, quiet mornings, or restful evenings can help everyone recharge and enjoy the season more fully.
And don’t forget to allow time for yourself as parents and carers. Take five minutes whenever you can to recharge your batteries — I know it’s not always easy.
I’m really excited that in 2026 we have so much happening at Anna Kennedy Online. We’re kicking off the year with the fantastic, award-winning author Samantha Lee’s book launch on 28th February at the Firepit Gallery, with all profits from the night being donated to the charity. It will also be the 15th year of Autism’s Got Talent. Plus, booking for our gala ball — the Autism Hero Awards in May — is now open. Then there is the Autism & Art Show in July, and so much more.
My head is spinning just thinking about it with excitement! Sending positive vibes, and see you all next year!
By Guest Writer Manchester based award winning artist and my friend Loveartpix.
November is Men’s Mental Health Month, and as usual, I want to move beyond the usual catchphrases like ‘Talking Helps‘ as it’s far more complex than that. The question I keep returning to (because it’s personal) is this: does our generic, neurotypical framing of “men’s mental health “leave too many men like me behind?
Campaigns, days, and months do matter – they reduce stigma by getting the much needed conversations going and remind us to check in on friends. But what is their impact if suicide rates are still just as high, and some of the men at greatest risk (neurodivergent men) are largely left out of the conversation?
We rarely say this plainly: autistic people face a much higher risk of suicide than non‑autistic people. A large Swedish population study found that autistic adults, especially those without intellectual disability, were around nine times more likely to die by suicide than their non‑autistic peers (Hirvikoski et al., 2016).
Autistic adults without intellectual disabilities are, on average, more likely than non‑autistic peers to experience mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Factors that contribute include chronic camouflaging/masking, sensory overload, social mismatch and stigma, late or missed diagnosis, and barriers to tailored support.
In clinical samples, the picture is even starker: two‑thirds of autistic adults report lifetime suicidal ideation, and about one‑third report suicide plans or attempts (Cassidy et al., 2014). If the risk is this high, why isn’t this part of the headline of our November conversations?
And what about the many who are undiagnosed – men whose autistic traits are missed or misread due to lack of awareness? How many die by suicide after years of the wrong treatment, the wrong framework, or a string of mental‑health labels that never addressed neurodivergent needs in the first place? We don’t track this well enough to know – this, for me, is very worrying.
I’m not speaking in theory. For more than two decades, I repeated the same words over and over, and the responses I received didn’t fit their box – so it was a continuous battle creating more mental health issues.
“Look Dez, you’ve taken every combination of medication we can offer you. What else do you want us to do?” – words you don’t want to hear from the psychiatrist in charge of your mental health and well being!
Even after my diagnosis, I’m basically begging for support in any way possible, but they still don’t have an answer. Right now, no services are willing to accept my case. That isn’t a lack of “talking.”It’s a system that doesn’t understand or accommodate neurodivergent needs.
“Talk to someone.” “Pick up the phone.” “Open up.” These messages are well‑meant—and sometimes they help. But they assume a neurotypical nervous system. When distress is driven by sensory overload, alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing feelings), shutdown, or the aftermath of masking, being asked to “speak up” on a phone call, or in fluorescent‑lit rooms, with vague questions, can be not only ineffective but also actively dysregulating and even traumatic.
Personally, I often communicate better in text when I go into meltdown (and after), I need time to process, and rely on concrete, direct language and clear communication. Standard CBT delivered at a pace, full of metaphors and homework that assumes neurotypical cognition, doesn’t work unless it’s really adapted. Yet adapted therapy is patchy across the UK, and post‑diagnostic support for adults remains weak at best – if it exists at all! I’ve learned this the hard way: I’ve been “talking” for years. What’s missing isn’t the willingness to speak – it’s services that listen but don’t know how to respond to neurodivergent communication without pathologising it.
Diagnostic waiting lists have exploded. There are now well over one hundred thousand people in England awaiting autism assessments, with many waiting far longer than the 13‑week standard – often 12–24 months or more. Adult ADHD pathways are similarly overloaded. Late diagnosis isn’t just an administrative delay; it can mean decades of inappropriate treatment plans, missed adjustments at school and work, and a build‑up of trauma from being told to “try harder” in systems not built for your brain. Each missed or delayed diagnosis is a missed opportunity for prevention – especially when we know suicidality is elevated in autistic populations.
89% of autistic adults in the UK aged 40-59 are undiagnosed – Kings College London (2025)
This is why the generic approach to “men’s mental health” feels inadequate to me. Awareness months aren’t wrong – they are just incomplete. We can’t keep telling men to “open up” while offering only neurotypical doorways.
Here’s a truth I wish we’d say out loud: it’s a huge barrier when men are already “talking,” but the system still can’t understand what they’re saying. I’ve used the same words for more than twenty years. The approaches offered back haven’t matched my needs – and I am not a unique case! Even after my diagnosis, when I articulate my needs clearly, services have no adapted pathway, no training, or no remit that fits. At this moment, I’m not being accepted by any service. That isn’t impartial; it’s exclusion by design.
Neurodiversity, complex trauma, and racialised stress each demand deep, specific knowledge. Very few clinicians are experts across all three. That’s not a criticism of individuals; it’s a system‑design problem. Our pathways remain separated: autism/adhd/dyslexia over here, trauma/cptsd over there, “men’s mental health” somewhere in a campaign toolkit. Meanwhile, men sit on waiting lists, collecting labels, and learn to mask harder. Many still struggle to speak openly – especially when their experiences don’t match neat, neurotypical scripts of sadness, worry, and recovery.
Campaigns must reflect the facts: men are not all the same, and neither are their minds – neurotypical and neurodivergent.Put neurodivergent men on the list and on the panels. Highlight that autistic burnout is not laziness; that ADHD‑related rejection sensitivity can look like despair; that shutdowns and meltdowns are not misbehaviour. And tell men this clearly: if standard tools haven’t worked, maybe it’s the tool and not you!
And let’s make the suicide data visible, not buried in academic journals. If autistic men face a dramatically higher risk, surely that belongs on the first slide, the first poster, and the first funding line?
We should admit where the evidence base is thin and choose humility. Research is (hopefully) accelerating, but we’re years from fully understanding these intersections. Until then, ‘specialists’ need to listen more to lived experience – with an open mind, and not through the generalised, stereotypical lens that turns nuance into “non‑compliance.” Ask what helps. Believe the answers. Adapt!
None of this diminishes the value of awareness months; it actually refocuses them. If we want November’s messages to be more than posters and hashtags, we have to build services that fit all men, not the imaginary neurotypical everyman. The stakes are life and death. A system designed around the most complex needs will serve everyone better.
‘I have personally reached out to some well-known men’s mental health services and asked how they handle neurodivergent individuals, and I have been met with half-hearted replies and almost snubbed to my face’ – an all too common response in my experience.
Acceptance has been central to how I navigate life now – there isn’t any help out there at the moment, as the research simply isn’t there. Acceptance hasn’t removed the struggle, but it has reframed it for me. I have been ‘speaking up’ for years. I don’t need another generic neurotypical catchphrase. I need services that recognise what I’m saying – and are ready and able to respond with understanding, compassion and a willingness to make reasonable adjustments.
Sources for the statistics mentioned:
– Hirvikoski, T. et al. (2016). Premature mortality in autism spectrum disorder. A population‑based study in Sweden. Findings include markedly elevated suicide mortality, especially among autistic adults without intellectual disability.
– Cassidy, S. et al. (2014). Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger’s syndrome attending a specialist clinic. Reports 66% lifetime suicidal ideation and 35% plans/attempts.
Apologies for the delay in sharing my column—my head has been spinning! It’s been such a busy time, with so many exciting things on the horizon that I can’t wait to tell you about.
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in last month’s Autism Hero Awards.
We had an unforgettable evening at the 6th Annual AnnaKennedyOnline Charity Autism Hero Awards. ✨ A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists! ✨
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event—our incredible judges, VIP guests, fabulous performersEve Devenney and Angus Baskerville, and all our amazing charity supporters.
A HUGE thank you and much love to all of my AnnaKennedyOnline volunteers. Your time, dedication, and support made this night a tremendous success. I couldn’t do what I do without you!
Vicki Michelle and Steven Smith with Dr Anna Kennedy OBE
Special Thanks:
💫 Aston Avery and Phil Barnett , our brilliant MCs for the evening – the AKO dynamic duo!
💫 Lisa Robins, my PA and friend, who has stood by my side and worked tirelessly for nearly 15 years.
💫 Tally Nothey, for creating our amazing programmes and marketing materials.
💫 Maggie Paterson and her team of dancers from PPAS, who have supported our events for the past 14 years.
💫 Steven Smith, one of our charity Patrons and a dear friend, for your unwavering support over the last 9 years. Your presence means the world to us.
📣 Check out the full list of our 2024/2025 Winners and Finalists: 👉 Click here to view
Lisa and I recently travelled up north to Whitley Bay to prepare for the next Autism’s Got Talent showcase. If you’re interested in participating in the London event, entries close on May 31st! You can find all the details here: https://annakennedyonline.com/autisms-got-talent/.
We’re also thrilled to announce our first-ever Autism and Art Show, taking place at the FirePit Gallery in London. If you’d like to have your artwork featured, please email: spman@btinternet.com. One of the incredible artists whose work will be featured is
I live with autism, anxiety, and depression, which severely affect my ability to work in a mainstream job. I would love to work and have tried setting up various home-based businesses, but unfortunately, none have been successful.
Being in my 40s, my main source of income is Universal Credit, but they are now trying to take it away and force me into employment. I have explained that my day-to-day life is unpredictable, and committing to a job would be impossible, but they are not listening and say If I can go out and about I can go to work ,
What can I do?
Elizabeth, Brighton
Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you for your message. We have received many messages since the announcement of welfare cuts by the government recently.
Universal Credit, a UK benefit system, can pose challenges for autistic individuals, potentially leading to pressure to work despite the difficulties you have mentioned. It would appear that some autistic people may face having benefits reduced or stopped if they don’t meet certain work related requirements. In my opinion the Universal Credit system may lack the flexibility needed to accommodate the needs of autistic individuals like yourself.
A good organisation to contact to ask for advice is Disability Rights UK or DAWN of which I am an Ambassador. www.dawnsupport.co.uk
Sending you best wishes
Anna
Dear Anna,
My son is autistic, very active, and an absolute joy. He’s now 24, and my husband and I feel it’s time for him to gain independence by moving into his own studio or flat. However, he is completely against the idea and has a meltdown every time we bring it up.
Is there an advice board or resource that can help young autistic adults transition to independent living? What should we do?
Joe, Bradford
Hello Joe,
Thank you for your message and yes this can be a tough for all, the transition of moving home into independent living.
Planning and Preparation is key and to engage your son in the planning process. Start my talking and allowing them to express their preferences and needs. This will be a gradual process , a sudden shift can cause great anxiety. Research different housing options, including independent living, shared housing maybe an option or specialist housing to fit his needs.You will need patience and understanding , this is challenging all round.
My son Patrick has been living in his flat for almost 4 years now. Small steps but we got there in the end.
Good Luck!
Dear Anna,
I am a huge fan and would love to see you have your own show!
I’m 16 and living with a variety of challenges. One thing that really depresses me is the thought that I may never get to meet someone special. It feels like the prospect of romance is zero for me.
Are there ways for autistic people to meet and build relationships?
A good programme to watch on Netflix where my Overseas Ambassador Dani Bowman is taking part in is ‘Love on the Spectrum. ‘
There is also useful information on the Ambitious about Autism website. They offer a UK wide platform for autistic young people aged between 13 and 25 providing a safe online space to connect and understand your autistic identity. It also features ‘Relationships and Intimacy My way’ plus lots of resources.
Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2025 is a great year for us all. I’m busy with my team, as always. Among the many things we have lined up is The Autism Hero Awards, being held at the Holiday Inn, Regent’s Park, London on the 15th of March. You can find information on how to get tickets and sponsorship details at the bottom of this column.
As always, we also have the amazing Autism’s Got Talent later this year—audition tapes are welcome now!
In other news, our autism ambassador, Kieron Lee, is launching a neurodiverse musical education platform as his final major project for his BA (Hons) degree in Popular Music.
We’re also thrilled to announce that our patron, Steven Smith, along with the incredible Annemarie Bickerton, will be hosting the first-ever Autism Art Show, featuring artists on the autism spectrum and supporters of the charity. Money raised will go directly to the charity. This event will be held at the sensational gallery, The Fire Pit (https://www.firepit.art), from May 22 to May 25, 2025.
Dr Anna Kennedy OBE with one of her patrons Steven Smith ,
Please keep your questions coming into 2Shades magazine. I’ve been thrilled to join such a diverse and exciting publication!
Dear Anna, Trust you’re well. My family loves your column. We were wondering: What do you think are the most common myths about people living with autism?
Dawn, Essex.
Thank you, Dawn, for your kind comments. Sadly, there are still a lot of autism myths out there.
Here is five common ones
5 Myths and Facts About Autism
Myth 1: Autism is caused by vaccines.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism. Numerous studies have thoroughly debunked this myth. Autism is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but vaccines are not one of them.
Myth 2: People with autism lack empathy.
Fact: Many individuals with autism experience empathy deeply, but they may express it differently. Some may have difficulty recognizing social cues, but this does not mean they lack feelings or care for others.
Myth 3: Autism only affects children.
Fact: Autism is a lifelong condition. While symptoms might present differently as people age, autistic adults continue to experience challenges and strengths associated with autism throughout their lives.
Myth 4: Everyone with autism has the same abilities and challenges.
Fact: Autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects individuals differently. Some may have significant support needs, while others may live independently and excel in various fields. No two autistic people are alike.
Myth 5: Autism can be cured.
Fact: Autism is not a disease and does not need to be “cured.” The focus is on acceptance, support, and enabling autistic individuals to thrive by embracing their unique perspectives and abilities.
Would you like to dive deeper into any of these points?
Dear Anna, My daughter is being labelled disruptive at school. She’s been diagnosed with autism and severe learning difficulties. Despite discussing this with the headteacher, she’s suggested that Mary, my daughter, not return this term and instead find a school more suited to her needs. Anna, I feel lost—what can I do, or who can I turn to for help?
Diana, Essex
Dear Diana, I feel your frustration.
Please do contact our charity website using our contact form at http://www.annakennedyonline.com. We can discuss the possible way forward. In the meantime, do some research on schools that may meet your daughter’s needs within an hour’s drive of where you live.
You will then be in a more informed position on what is available in your area. You could visit a few schools to get a feel for the services and resources they offer.
Dear Anna, How does someone become part of Autism’s Got Talent? My son is super talented at playing guitar. He’s a little shy and unsure about auditioning. He’s also worried about encountering a harsh judge.
David, Edinburgh
Hello David, Autism’s Got Talent is now in its 14th year and one of the highlights of our charity year.
This is a showcase of talented individuals performing at The Mermaid Theatre, London. Autism’s Got Talent is not a competition.
Please do watch our highlight videos on our charity YouTube channel.
You could also come along to the show in October to experience the magic. Share the experience with the audience made up of parents, friends of the performers, and members of the public who are regular supporters. Feel the magic and be inspired. Then send a tape in of your son performing . love Anna
Autism’s Got Talent.
Dear Anna, My son is 19 and wants to start dating. He’s a lovely young man but has a stammer and lives with autism. I’m worried about how he’ll handle rejection. Is there a webpage or group where he can meet like-minded people?
Brenda, Norwich
Hello Brenda, There are many dating sites now for autistic individuals.
A popular Netflix docuseries, Love on the Spectrum, showcases autistic individuals navigating the world of dating. One of our charity’s overseas ambassadors is featured in series one and two.
In this romantic docuseries, people on the autism spectrum look for love and navigate the world of dating and relationships. https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81338328
Good luck!
Dear Anna, I love your dancing! I’m 17 and want to learn to dance seriously. Living with autism has always made it feel challenging, but I’d like to get more involved. How did you learn?
Love, Melanie, Brighton
Hello Melanie, Dance is a great way to stay fit and boost your mood and well-being. I started tap dancing at age 6 and fell in love with dance then. It definitely keeps you feeling young.
Join a local dance class and discover which dance style suits you best. There are also many dance classes online if this makes you feel more comfortable at first, then gradually progress to a dance studio.
Good luck and enjoy!
Anna Kennedy with her former Dance Partner Robin Windsor
This year’s presenter for “Autism’s Got Talent” Aston Avery chats to 2Shades
We were all thrilled to hear that one of the main presenters of “Autism’s Got talent” this year is going to be Aston Avery Gateway’s radio host and ambassador for Anna Kennedy on line.
Both Anna Kennedy and myself share a monthly spot with him on Gateway. He is for sure someone to be truly admired. He will bring an authenticity and sparkle to the show. I took time out to have chat with him before the big night.
Aston- Avery: A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Pride
How excited are you to be presenting Autism’s Got Talent?
I am really thrilled to be presenting this year’s Autism’s Got Talent. “It’s beyond exciting,” “I think it might surprise some people, seeing me in this role. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing what I can improve on for the future.”
When did you first meet and get involved with Annakennedyonline?
My journey with Autism’s Got Talent began in 2015, when I first met Anna Kennedy while performing a bit of Elvis at the event. “That was the same year Anna did The People’s Strictly with Robin Windsor. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved with her charity, AnnaKennedyonline. In 2016, I was honored to become an ambassador for the charity, and I’ve had the privilege of performing at events like Wear It For Autism and various Autism’s Got Talent roadshows. Anna also helped me secure a scholarship with Pineapple Performing Arts, which was an incredible opportunity.”
At what age were you diagnosed with Autism ?
I was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half. My mum remembers it vividly. When they received the diagnosis, my dad had a tear running down his cheek. That’s why my mum’s book about our journey is called From A Tear to Here.
Astons as baby with his brother
You raise a lot of money for the cause?
You are right, I am no stranger to the world of fundraising and raising awareness for autism. It has seen me skydiving, playing in charity football matches, organising charity discos, and even hosting charity balls. it’s not just about the money. “It’s about raising acceptance within the community. That’s my real goal.
Aston Sky Diving
Being a previous act on Autism’s Got Talent, what advice would you give this years performers?
Having been a past performer at Autism’s Got Talent, my advice for this year’s participants is: Enjoy every moment. Make friends—talk to your fellow performers, and even reach out to past performers. It’s about connection as much as performance.
Who are your hero’s Aston?
My heroes are close to home: My parents and my brother. They’ve stood by me through everything—my autism diagnosis, my battle with enterocolitis, and even my fundraising efforts. They’ve been there for the good and the rough times.
Aston with his brother, Aaron
Your very vocal about bullying what is your advice to people being bullied ?
Being an advocate for anti-bullying, I feel strongly about speaking up about it. If you’re being bullied, don’t let them break you. Talk to someone—a parent, a sibling, a professional like a teacher or manager. You don’t have to go through it alone.
How did you get involved with Gateway 97.8?
My media journey began in 2013 when I got involved with Gateway 97.8, working behind the scenes on the technical side of things. By 2015, I was presenting his own daytime show. I’ve spoken to so many people—celebrities, regular contributors, and people from the local area. It’s been such a rewarding experience.
What are your future ambitions?
I’d love to perform in a pantomime one day, and I really hope to become a TV presenter. My dream is to appear on Strictly Come Dancing—that’s my favourite show. Fingers crossed!
What would you say gives you inspiration each day?
My daily inspiration comes from the people around me and my own drive. I wake up motivated to do what I love—whether it’s performing, presenting, or connecting with people to share experiences. I always say, my name is Aston-Martin Avery, I am autistic, and I am proud!
Why I am with Esther Rantzen when it comes to euthanasia being allowed in the UK
Inspirational Esther Rantzen and the incredible Martin Annand
News of the controversial suicide pod being used for the first time in Switzerland really caught my attention. The device allows the person in it to take their own life by pressing a button. The concern, even in Switzerland where euthanasia is legal, is that the pod functions without medical assistance.
It also triggered a memory of when I was asked to take a friend to Switzerland, and I nearly did…
It was a beautiful sunny day and my former partner, of twenty years and friend for twenty more Martin Annand and I were sitting in the leafy London Garden opposite where he lived.
He squeezed my hand and said,
“Steven, please take me to Switzerland, let’s arrange it today.”
The wonderful Martin Annand RIP 20th Of February 1944 – 9th of August 2021
We had been up most of the night. Martin had been in agony; he was terminally ill with cancer that had moved into the spine. He had sailed through hormone treatment and apart from the odd hiccup, chemotherapy had been giving us hope that a miracle would happen or at least extended his life, but we had had some bad news, and the chemotherapy had stopped working. He had moved on to radiotherapy and that was a whole new ball game. The illness was turning him quickly into a shell of himself.
Coming soon.
Helping was a battle as his new partner was unreasonable, a bully and often hysterical. I was up against people who were all “experts. A distant relative thought running a ball up and down his spine and getting him to exercise was good, but would not look at the actual fact that it was the worst thing you could do for cancer in the spine.
All through his illness I was absolutely determined to stay stoic and a rock, not the hysterical mess I was in private. Too often I have seen people make their friend or partner’s illness be about them, with the poor soul consoling them. Now his current partner had taken two weeks holiday and reluctantly left me to look after him. It was an ideal time to take Martin to Switzerland.
However, it was hard at this point to hold back the tears.
“Is that what you really want?” I asked him.
He had clearly done his homework and knew the price and exactly where to go. Pulling myself together and looking into his beautiful blue eyes I promised I would if he just gave it one more week. The doctors had said at the Royal Brompton that the night burns were quite a common side effect that should pass.
Holding him in the shower and as he lay shaking in bed, I would have done anything to ease his pain. Assurances that this phase would pass, and that the treatment would allow him more time encouraged us to push on.
To this day I am so sorry that I did not take him whilst he could still get on a plane. The horror that he endured no human being should go through. Why do we let a dog in distress die in dignity, yet our loves ones have to suffer? The religious right will tell you It is not God’s wish. Some God if he wants us to suffer.
“Suffer to come unto me “. Well, I cannot make sense of that. It is time to allow those with no hope of living without excruciating pain to die on their own terms.
By the second week it was too painful for Martin to travel in a taxi let alone fly. Then the current partner arrived back, and all was lost on the idea of euthanasia.
When there really is no hope, it is time to be kind and allow the terminally sick some release. Next time someone I love asks me, I’ll do it on the spot. I truly hope that if I were in that much pain with no chance of recovery that someone would do the same for me.
Me with Martin Annand a man who lived life to its full
If there is one thing that bemuses me it’s being put in a box because of my sexuality.
As a gay man I have heard it all over the years, including the presumption that I must be filled with excitement that Kylie is touring next year. No! I honestly would not cross the road to watch her, and I find “Padam Padam” one of the most irritating songs of all time.
Sure, she has a huge gay following. I remember two gay men jumping with excitement in the changing room of the gym exclaiming, “Oh my God we are seeing Kyle tonight, she’s such a survivor! ” And that was before the breast cancer. I have heard she is a lovely person, but she’s just not my taste in music.
Later at the Troubadour café the waiter enquired if me and my partner were going to see Kylie. After replying definitely not, he smiled and said, “Good to hear it, have a drink on me!”
Sure, I like Madonna; she is a true artist. Now Bowie, Lou Reed, Nina Simon or a night at the Royal Opera are my tastes in music.
What I am excited about is Oasis coming back. Liam Gallagher is brightly funny and a night out with him would be way up on my list rather than the gay Divas of music. Oasis marks an era, and a generation of people want to celebrate the band and re- live that experience for just for one night.
Their music is original, and they are a dying breed of rock star. The Manchester lads may not be the wild boys of the past, but every time Liam pops up on a show, he makes me laugh and he is by far a much better interview than most.
That’s what entertainment is all about. My friend Pam I know not to dare ring during the football or come to that rugby, cricket, darts season, tiddlywinks… If for a moment music, sport or something else can transport you to a happy place or bring a beautiful memory back to life for you, then whatever gives you that enjoyment is your business.
I, of course, respect everyone who can’t get Kylie “out of their head”, but come on, Liam and Noel are really something to get excited about.
Yes, it is that time of year again so please come see me and 2shades columnist Dr Anna Kennedy OBE on 12th October at the Mermaid theatre. Gateways Radio Aston Avery will be one of the main presenters introducing some incredible acts.
This star-studded spectacular show will showcase amazingly talented performances by adults and children with autism. The performers, which consist of singers, actors, musicians, magicians, poets and dance troupes, will fly the flag for autism and show what people with autism are capable of. Autism’s Got Talent provides a platform and fantastic opportunity to replace negative aspects with hope, fun, laughter and inclusion. This showcase is unique to any other project across the world.
Most of the acts have springboarded into exclusive opportunities. The audience feels a rare emotion of hope and belonging, part of a unique network, and understanding that anything is possible. Every year promises a showcase of a wide variety of performers. In previous years, there has been a stand-up performer, harpist, rapper, young author, acclaimed ballet dancer, opera singer.
Presenting this year Aston Avery Gateway radio host .
The concept of Autism’s Got Talent is based solely on inclusion, and there needs to be more, which is why we have started roadshows. Autism’s Got Talent is an annual event that grows in popularity each year and has firmly cemented its status as a leading charity and autism event.
Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and me .
Supported in the past by celebrities including Kacey Ainsworth, Richard Mylan, Dame Esther Rantzen, Carrie and David Grant, Debbie Moore OBE, the late Ian Royce, Dr Pam Spurr, Mitch Winehouse, Loose Women Star Denise Welch, Caprice, Luke Friend, Tony Discipline (BBC Eastenders), and Emma Noble.
I went to a Catholic school in the Northeast. Little did I know my husband Sean also was at the same school. Primary School were good and bad days for me and I enjoyed some lessons not all. Many of the nuns at the school were too strict and would not get away with caning across your knuckles or hand for talking too much!
If you happen to be late for school, you had to stand under the crucifix for 30 minutes at the end of the day and pray.
We were often also given many lines to write if no one owned up for example: A pupil threw a rubber at the Maths teacher whilst he was writing on the blackboard. I remember we had to write 100 times ‘Rubbers rub they do not fly!’
Dear Anna.
Please, I am at the end of the line with my 14 year old son. He was expelled last year for being disruptive in class. Now the school have written to me and said he cannot come back. James was diagnosed with Autism and attention disorder at 13. What can I do? Is there a right to appeal or should I find a school that is more suited to his needs? James is super bright and was in line to take exams
Many thanks Diana Waterford
Dear Diana,
Thank you for your email. You do have the right to challenge your son’s exclusion, and the school should have informed you of this process when the exclusion occurred. The following government guidance may be helpful, if your son attended a maintained school or an Academy:
If you believe your son was excluded due to a disability-related reason, you can separately make a claim of disability discrimination to the First-tier Tribunal before the school process concludes.
If the Tribunal rules in your favour, it can order actions that put your son in the position he would have been in if the discrimination hadn’t occurred, which could include reinstating him in the school.
Lastly, it’s important to ensure that all your son’s special educational needs are identified and met. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to apply for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.
This is the first step towards securing an EHC Plan (EHCP). The test for starting this assessment is whether your son may need a level of special educational provision that is only available through an EHCP. Given what you have said, this may possibly be the case.
Dear Anna,
Hello love the column. My daughter lives with Autism, and she is a great singer and just so loveable. My ex-husband won’t hear about it and said I am indulging her and encouraging her to be different. I am looking for a school that caters to her needs even its a private school or theatre My parents are happy to. pay. My ex is trying to block it and threatening to take me back to court if I remove her from her present school that I do not feel caters to her needs. What can I do?
All my best Stephany Wimbledon
Dear Stephany,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words about the column. I spoke to my husband Sean who supports the charity, and this is his area of expertise. It does sounds like you’re in a difficult situation.
My husband Sean shares:
Sean Kennedy
If your daughter has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), section 51 of the Children and Families Act 2014 gives you the right to challenge any part of the EHCP, including the school placement, even though a Tribunal if necessary.
This right cannot be interfered with by other courts. While your ex-husband is entitled to express his views to the Tribunal, he cannot prevent you from exercising this right. However, your daughter’s opinions will also carry weight, particularly depending on her age and if she has capacity.
It is certainly an unfortunate situation. If your ex-husband is threatening to take this matter to the Family Courts and your daughter does not currently have an EHCP, I would strongly advise seeking legal advice from a family law specialist.
We both wish you all the best in navigating this,
Best Wishes, Anna
Dear Anna,
I am a big fan of yours and have been living all my life with various issues, it was my 16th birthday last week my mum held a party and I am not real social so I found it embarrassing and in the end it was more about her. She even got drunk and went on and on about how proud she is of me- even with all my little ways. There was about five of my friends from school there with the rest of the mums. Anna I just want to leave home and get away from her. What should I tell her and is there any organisations that helps kids like me escape?
Blair Luton
Dear Blair,
Thank you for reaching out and Happy 16th Birthday. Have you spoken to your mum about how you feel? Is there a relative that you can confide in about how you are feeling?
Parenting an autistic teen can be challenging for parents, so it’s important to seek support from other parents, support groups, or professionals who specialise in autism.
Are there any local support groups near to where you live? Leaving home is a huge step and you need to be well prepared and safe as a vulnerable young person. I hope things improve for you very soon and your relationship with your mum also improves.
Sending best wishes, Anna
Has the interview selection for Colleges and Universities changes to aid those diagnosed on the autism spectrum?
Colleges and universities are required to comply with the Equality Act 2010. This means that if an individual with a statutory disability faces disadvantages during the interview process due to the effects of their disability, the institution must take reasonable steps to avoid these disadvantages.
For clarity, a statutory disability is defined in section 6, the Equality Act 2010. This section defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. To qualify, the impairment must significantly impact the individual’s ability to carry out activities that are considered normal for most people (including work and university study) and must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months.
It is important to note that conditions such as ADHD and ASD are not automatically classified as statutory disabilities, though they may be. The key consideration is how these conditions impact the individual. It follows that what are known as reasonable adjustments are specific to the individual. Importantly the university or college needs to be informed of any impairments before the section process.
While universities and colleges are not required to lower the competency levels expected of students, they must provide adjustments to the interview process where necessary.
There is a lot more to the Equality Act, but I trust this provides a useful overview and is, my husband has confirmed, is accurate.
Sam Grierson said, “After my best friend took her own life, I stopped writing. I couldn’t write anymore. I met Michelle and she told me to give myself a nudge. And I went on holiday a few weeks later, and I sat on a beach in Croatia. And I hear her in my head, give yourself a nudge. And I thought to myself, you know, I’m autistic.
We’re not supposed to have big emotions. But I was having massive emotions for Jenny taking her own life. And I missed her. She’d been my best friend since I was four. And I completely missed her. And I’m thinking, I am having colossal emotions here. How is it possible that autistic people don’t feel?”
I’ve had the honour of watching Sam’s short film The Programme which is set to release in November. Her writing and direction of this enterprise made me feel a thousand emotions at once.
It’s about a non-binary and autistic character called ‘Drum’ played by Granite Harbour actress, Michelle Jeram who is interviewed by an AI robot. The purpose of this film is for the AI robot to gather information on a neurodivergent individual’s feelings and emotions to navigate how to treat them in the future.
The conversation between the AI robot (played by Sherise Blackman) and Drum was a painful watch and in many ways, made me feel seen and a huge reminder of the empathy we lack as human beings. The urgency to separate what’s normal and abnormal in people through labels, assumptions and ignorance is the root of all the divide.
People often forget that the spectrum of neurodiversity is far too varied to be generalised. There’s a reason why people say “they’re on a spectrum” after being diagnosed or familiarising themselves with certain traits. With this context in mind, Sam’s work deeply reflects how feelings and emotions also lie on an infinite spectrum that cannot be classified.
Sam explains, “Autistic people are shut down and shut up so often. I just wanted them to be able to express themselves and just talk. So I wrote the film to talk about grief and loneliness because they’re big feelings we don’t talk about. And again, as a neurodivergent person, what does that look like for us? And Drum’s not trying to be every neurodivergent person, it’s just a story by a person. But by letting them articulate their feelings, big, deep feelings, I just wanted to let people sit without uncomfortableness”
The essence of discomfort Sam speaks of while watching any of her creative explorations is an attempt to free the mind and elevate us to all forms of acceptance.
How often, as human beings, do we come across a story, feel a rush of emotions based on our own life experiences and settle on an opinion? Or, in some cases, feel so unsettled that the world becomes a projection of our emotions?
However, that’s exactly what Sam tries to portray through her work, we’re all human and equally messed up, neurodivergent or not. We’re all invited to feel the emotions that we do in our own ways. The keyword being feel and to be courageous to sit with ourselves, allow the voices to speak to us and initiate transformation through self-acceptance.
Sam mentioned, “Liz and I run workshops, we start all the workshops on the left hand side of the room, we put flip charts up and we say, right, what does autism look like? What does grief look like? And then can you express your emotions, for example, right? So we’ll put these on flip charts. And then Liz will interview me a little bit about why I wrote the film and then we’ll watch the film. Then we purposefully take a break. We let people go to the loo or whatever and just sit with it for a minute. We bring them back in the room and we say, right, talk about the film for a bit. And before they go, we do the flip charts again but on the other side of the room. We say, right, what does autism look like? What does grief look like? And can you express your emotions?
Sponsor and Film Producer, Liz Crutchley with Sam Grierson now working on a new feature film, ‘Station’
Every single person who’s ever been to our workshops has transformed in that two hour period from what they wrote and thought when they came in, to what they wrote and thought when they left, because we have challenged people, we have moved people’s perception. And the reason that we were able to do that is because we’re telling the story. And we’re able to draw people into Drum’s world and see it through Drums’ eyes in a really personal way. And so for me, what do I want to achieve? It’s that. It’s taking people’s perception beforehand and coming out the other side and transforming it. I think most people who’ve seen the film said they needed to watch it again.”
I had to watch it two or three times myself, not to make sense of the character, but mainly to make sense of my own emotions. I went through a spectrum of thoughts watching The Programme because at times I felt the writing was peeling into my heart like a stranger breaking into my house but I allowed it to happen?
At times I felt a wave of sympathy for Drum’s character for being dehumanised by the AI robot when they not only answered the questions, but also bravely articulated every ounce of their misery. Only to be shot down for digressing or being “vague”.
Sam has evolved to a state of living where she challenges herself to do things and think differently but also does everything her creative soul tells her to do. She has a wonderful community of people who share her vision to allow people to go beyond themselves and into themselves.
Executive Producer, Claire Brown with Sam Grierson
Soundtrack writer and artist, Megan Black with Sam Grierson
She continues to represent the neurodivergent community through her storytelling but also wishes to create a space for everyone to feel safe to express themselves. She works selflessly to include all voices to have a platform through her projects to spread an important message.
Sam said, “I’d like you to think differently, the other side of it. And I really want to hear from people. We’re going to put it out in November, free, because all my content is free. I really want to talk about neurodiversity. So I don’t charge for anything. It’s all self-funded. I just do it because I want to do it. I want to tell these stories. I’m going to put it out.
I really, really want people to get in touch with me and tell me what it did. What did it do? How did it make you feel? If you don’t like it, fine. Tell me why you didn’t like it. I don’t need you to like it. I don’t need you to love my film. But did it make you have some kind of emotional reaction? Yeah, that’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to do with all my audio plays, all my stories. I want to provoke an emotional reaction in people.”
And just like her audacious podcast, “Daring to be Different” Sam holds no grudge with criticism and opinions. When someone like herself enters a space of inspiration through service to the world and a community, it doesn’t matter what people think, it only matters what they feel and what they desire to share.
She is in the works of another project set in Glasgow called ‘Station’ about a man in a train station having conversations with fellow travellers to explore a multicultural perspective to life.
Director of Photography, James Peakman with Samantha Grierson
What I will say about Sam’s work before you experience it for yourself is that she always ends it with a twist. A stomach-curling, pillow-grabbing and mind-bending twist that leaves you hungry for more.
Her purpose towards people is to provide an outlet for limitless perception that without intention, without bias or any kind of expectation or outcome, re-programmes us to lead with our hearts.
Watch the trailer of ‘The Programme’ by Sam Grierson
Michelle said, “You know as a police officer, you always have this sort of authoritative nature about you. Every job you go to, you have to be a different person. Delivering a death message, or making an arrest, my voice will have to change, it’s a different persona.
A lot of it is listening and communication. The listening part is also in acting because you’re reacting to what is being said to you. It’s kind of transferable skills that way”
After facing a tragic incident whilst making an arrest resulting in 5 knee surgeries, Michelle was forced to end her career as a copper.
She continued as a consultant with the police after her recovery but she had an inkling that she had more to life than this.
Michelle decided to relive her childhood dream of becoming an actress. Urging her to train herself through acting classes online during the pandemic.
After a year and a half, she secured the role of DS Simone ‘Monty’ Montrose on BBC’s Granite Harbour as an investigator in the series.
While this was a breakthrough moment for her acting career, she enlightened us on the conditions faced in the acting industry.
Michelle said, “As an actor, we audition for way more than we ever get. It’s just ridiculous the amount of no’s and or the amount of you don’t hear anythings. You can audition for 20 roles and just get one and I think coming into the industry later in life, I can handle that.
If I was 18 or in my 20s, I’d probably find the constant rejection really difficult. It’s very competitive, not everyone can afford a ticket to London for an audition, put a day aside just for that. I do this full time now but there are so many people who have other jobs and have to take time off for this.”
I could feel the amount of empathy she holds for people. Having been a police officer and now an actress, she wishes to do her job with conviction and not for any kind of recognition.
Michelle Jeram the set of Granite Harbour
I imagine being a police officer is far from easy and the unpredictability requires a lot of courage to deal with every day.
I sensed a grimness as she said the words, “There are some things you should never see.”
It transported me briefly to the times she might’ve had to go back home and process the horror she witnessed.
The mental health of police officers is frequently overshadowed by the government’s control over them. There are a handful who seem to exploit their powers to fulfil a demonic agenda.
But for the good ones who are human beings just like the rest of us, they have to play a role that provides a thankless service to others and hardly for themselves.
Michelle said, “When I joined in 1991, there wasn’t any counselling support. You’d sort of have this dark humour, not demeaning but to sort of cope with it yourself. There is counselling and things like that now but I think it’s the numbers in policing that are so few that they’re being single-crewed it shouldn’t be like that.
It’s a sorry state of affairs unfortunately but, I loved my 23 years and I’m very proud of it.”
Her enthusiasm as a police officer reflects greatly on screen as she now takes on detective roles to structure her brand as a newbie in the industry.
She dives into research and curates a background story for each of her characters to bring them to life.
She draws inspiration from her experience as a copper to understand the depth of her character. Which helps her react to her coworkers cues and mediate the necessary emotion.
Her personal experience also helped with roles where she was required to improvise and be as authentic as she could be.
She said, “Granite Harbour allowed us to do that for example, and I’m like, I don’t think Monty would actually say it like that so I might change it slightly. Similarly with Queen At Sea, the director wanted me to be as authentic as possible. He didn’t care if the person had acting experience, he preferred someone who knew the procedure.
For instance a rape incident, if you’ve never dealt with that, you don’t know the process and what’s being said, it would be quite difficult.”
We both agreed that it’s not to say that actors don’t have the capability to tap into those raw emotions required for a scene, but a past experience could definitely provide an edge.
As we continue to speak, I was curious to know how being autistic blended with such contrasting careers.
However, Michelle is a doer and for her the process of creation and the contribution of each soul towards the art mesmerised her.
Michelle explained, “You know that’s what fascinates me I think, the whole process of how a show is really put together. The set design, sound, electricians, the runners, everything. I remember on my first week in Granite Harbour in series one, when it was appropriate, I went around to everyone and asked them what they did. To tell me exactly what they did.
I remember watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Bugsy Malone, you know the original one with Jodie Foster. I was fascinated, it stayed with me. And I think what it is about acting for me is the whole creative process. And you see the finished product, you’re like, cool!”
The creation of art can sometimes be viewed from a superficial lens, I personally forget that it takes a collective of talent to put together a refined piece of work.
The creative choices, the artistic direction, the lines, the emotions everyone face through the day in the process of making it.
Michelle said it perfectly when she said to me that a good crew can always help make the process easier. She added, “You have better chances if you’re nice to the people you work with and it helps if you’re not a d*ck.”
She adores the cast of Granite Harbour and whoever she has worked with so far. Sharing a bond beyond the set aided in finding a flow for a seamless production and on screen chemistry.
We delved a little deeper into the networking and socialising aspect of being a neurodivergent actor and former police officer.
She said, “As a police officer, I realised after a while that nothing really bothered me. I’d see horrific things and go okay, then on to the next job. I felt quite unfazed by things. I’m still unfazed, I don’t particularly get emotional. I don’t remember the last time I cried, I’m quite a black and white person. There are no grey areas with me and that obviously served me well as a police officer.”
Neurodiverse individuals are often misunderstood as emotionless or apathetic. Or that they’re rude and unappreciative of the world around them.
It’s quite an unfair assumption that seems to be getting a lot more attention now, to reeducate people on their innate ability to feel.
As someone who struggled with social anxiety, I did feel like I played a role to feel accepted. Social gatherings can be overwhelming, you either love it, learn how to love it or hate it.
I’ve felt disconnected on multiple occasions whilst trying to build meaningful connections spontaneously. It takes time for me to truly connect but it can often be misunderstood as aloofness.
Michelle said, “When it comes to social gatherings, I never really love it. I’m quite a solitary person, I find the social side of it quite difficult but I understand the necessity of it because we need to work together and when we hang out, we learn a lot more about each other and that shows on screen. There’s a shorthand when it comes to who you’re acting with because they’re your friend.”
It makes me wonder if we’ve followed a society that depends on instant gratification and phrases to fit in. And how it’s often a recycle and reuse behaviour that keeps us afloat.
It’s hard to find connections that sustain in the world we live in where the walls within us are higher than a tower.
Attempting to narrow an infinite spectrum of neurodiverse people and urging them to be ‘normal’ only pushes them further away from their truth.
Michelle said, “A friend of mine called Sam Grieson wrote and directed a short film called “The Programme” to smash down barriers to say that it’s actually just a different way of processing. It’s a film about Drum, my character being interviewed by this robot in order to train the future AI on how to respond to human emotions. It’s about identity grief and how one deals with an autistic mind because we’re always told that we don’t feel, which is not true.”
I’ve had the opportunity to watch The Programme before it’s launch in October and it worries me for the future.
Emotions are such an individual and private journey- it’s not shaped to be predictable, it’s meant to be unique.
The AI robot in the film in many ways reflects the mentality of some people who box neurodivergent individuals as “odd”.
But have we as human beings wondered if the system of normalcy provided to us has perhaps limited the expansive view of our species?
Pushing us towards judgement of the other for their inability to match up to the standards of what is expected?
Michelle Jeram at the premiere night of The Programme
We arrived at an intriguing discussion soon after that reaffirmed my spirituality. We talked about how spiritual language can help us cope and focus on our vision towards our dreams.
In the age of spirituality where everyone seems to be talking about growth, we find ourselves using manifestations to align us to a vision. Michelle confidently said, “The weird think about Granite Harbour was, I knew I was going to get it. I read a lot about manifestations and it’s not just about visualising it, I also put it into action.”
Awareness of ones presence and potential can help structure a foundation to start with but there’s a certain amount of hard work and determination that needs to support it.
Michelle agreed and added, “I do hear people give advice to actors, they say ‘Stick with it! Your time will come!’ But I don’t think that’s entirely true. You have to know how to act as well, And there are a lot of people that I’ve done acting classes with or seen. And you know, it’s almost like I’m sure that they can act with the right guidance.
Telling somebody, keep going, keep going. Well, if nothing changes, nothing changes. You know, there’s got to be a change if you’re not getting anywhere.”
We do require a system upgrade even as human beings. Adding new skills, renewing a resume, whatever it may be, it gives us an opportunity to present ourselves as proactive and seeking growth in our reality.
Michelle continued, “They might be new headshots. Do you still look like your headshots? It might be a new show. It might be creating your own work. It might be getting some acting coaching. And a lot of these things cost money. But you know, one job will pay for that.You can reinvest and then go, right, I’m going to get some more acting coaching and get a job, reinvest.
And I think that just telling somebody to keep going on the same line that they’re on, if they’re getting anywhere, I’m not entirely sure that that’s the best advice to give. It’s no good your nan telling you she thinks you’re fantastic. Because my mum loves everything that I’ve done. And I’m like, mum, it was rubbish. Mums and dads, they just see you as this beautiful child. And they’ll say everything is amazing. But it’s not always helpful. It’s not constructive.”
At the end of the day, everyone deals with life in a way that makes sense to them. We are habituated to function from a place of safety and protection of our energy to identify the roles we play in our lives that feels most fullfilling.
The reality is that change is constant, the methods of achieving it are endless and the inspiration is subjective. Resistance to change breeds contempt and embracing all kinds of change can open pathways that achievers like Michelle have openly invited into their existence.
Great to be back and this month I would like to address a question people keep asking me: how do people get diagnosed when they are sure they are on the spectrum or are living with autism?
Be prepared for a long wait depending on where you live. You can also go for a private diagnosis which can cost between 1k to 2k.
“It’s becoming trendy to say you’re on the spectrum.”
Is it becoming trendy? I think it is more a case that autism awareness is now much more widespread, especially with celebrities now sharing their diagnosis to the public. People are recognising that they may be on the autism spectrum due to past struggles in their day-to-day life.
Dear Anna,
My daughter is nearly 24 and living with autism. I raised her by myself with help from my parents who passed on over the last year. The Government stops helping with her at 25 and my health is not great. What can I do to secure her a future?
Penny, Edinburgh.
Hello Penny,
Thank you for sharing your story. Once autistic adults reach 25 it can be difficult to find suitable services for our loved ones. I am in the process of looking for a day service my son Angelo since his college is closing July 19th and we were only given 28 days’ notice.
A good organisation to ask for help – and it’s a free service – is Living Autism. They can help you search for a suitable provision for your daughter. Their website link is www.livingautism.com
They have supported our charity in the past and also share useful resources that may help you. Wishing you lots of luck!
Anna and husband Sean at number 10 .
Anna, How can people help sponsor Autism’s Got Talent?
We are in our 13th year of Autism’s got Talent and it’s the highlight of our charity year!
Our small charity with devoted volunteers relies on support from the community, companies and the public. To find out more about sponsoring Autism’s got Talent please contact Steven Smith our Charity Patron or my PA Lisa.robins@annakennedyonline.com
Part Sponsorship is £500 where you receive 2 VIP tickets, your logo appears on our red-carpet brand board, programme, and shared across my social media made up of over a 100k followers.
A show not to be missed on October 12th at Mermaid Theatre Blackfriars. Door opens at 6pm and show starts at 7pm.
Dear Anna,
My son is very talented and was diagnosed with a Autism several years ago. He is 14 and wants to go to theatre school.
My worry is he is deeply sensitive and has a lot of issues. Is it really wise to guide him into a world that may hurt him?
Dorothy, Southend.
Hello Dorothy,
Thank you for your message about your talented son. There are many amazing performing arts schools across the country. Only yesterday I attended such a fantastic show in Leighton Buzzard. So many wonderful performances and happy families.
A good idea if you’re on social media is to share a post asking for recommendations of performing arts schools in your area. Facebook can be a useful place for recommendations by other parents.
Dear Anna,
I am convinced my son is being bullied at school. He is autistic but goes to a mainstream school.
He has become more introverted and does not want to do other school activities. He says I should not talk to the school
David, Brighton.
Hello David,
Sorry to hear about your son being bullied as I know this is both stressful for your son and the family. Yes, do speak to the school It is best to nip it in the bud asap for your son’s own wellbeing. Speak to his teacher or the headteacher. Schools take bullying extremely seriously.
Sending you best wishes and hope this is dealt with quickly.
Anna, thank you for everything you do. When is The Autism Hero Awards?
The Autism Hero Awards will take place in March 2025 at The Holiday Inn Regents Park. You can still nominate your Hero at www.autismheroawards.com . It’s such a wonderful event where 36 finalists travel to London for a 3 course meal. There is dance and entertainment from a few of our Autism’s got Talent performers. Winners are announced on the night.
2Shades Magazine 