Dear friends and supporters

It is amazing to think that Anna Kennedy Online went live nearly two years ago and that the site has proved to be so popular, not just with parents of those with Autism and the general public, but also professionals and carers. So first I’d like to thank all of those who have sent information and helped with the general updating of the site to keep it current and looking fresh. This has become increasingly important as we have had so many new initiatives over the last couple of years with new facilities being added to Hillingdon Manor school to accommodate primary and secondary pupils and the imminent opening of Baston House School in Bromley, Kent, which is set in 3 acres of land with plans to accommodate 150 children from from 3 to 19 years of age. As ever Esther Rantzen has been very supportive and we are honoured that she accepted our invitation to be Baston House's patron. With the latest figures showing that 1 in 64 children are being diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, and a desperate lack of specialist support throughout the country it is essential that we continue to establish high quality facilities such as this.


We are mindful that children grow into young adults and become elderly people so we are now providing a range of facilities, including a community college for people aged 16 plus offering vocational training from two sites in west London, a residential home for those attending the college, a specialist support out reach service and a thriving social networking club for young people to spend time with their own friends and to meet new people of their own age. None of this would have been possible without the brilliant work of our dedicated teachers and specialists. Everyone involved in our work from school and college principals, to specialist teachers, support workers and classroom assistants have all helped enormously in finding new ways and techniques to help children with Autism and to maximise their potential. What is so rewarding is to see people leaving our facilities and entering into successful and gainful employment.

It is impressive to note that as a team we have created the largest range of specialist facilities in Europe for people affected with Autism covering all ages from 3 onwards. We will continue and expand our work in our quest to address the challenges of education and life skills support for those with Autism. A key part of our work is to spread awareness of the issues involved with Autism and to generate more and more understanding within all levels of society. Anna Kennedy online is one small part of this awareness building activity and we are spreading the net wider by adding links to Facebook and Twitter so please do spread the word and encourage all of your friends, family and work colleagues to sign up to these on-line community areas so that our messages will reach further and help more people with Autism.

Warm personal wishes,

Anna

Read the 'School of Hard Knocks' Article