About Anna Kennedy

Founder of the Anna Kennedy Online charity and shares her journey and experiences…

Anna Kennedy

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, founder of the Anna Kennedy Online charity and shares her journey and experiences…

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Dear Friends and Supporters,

Our UK Autism Charity Anna Kennedy Online is going from strength to strength supporting and sharing information to many families and adults diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. Ever since I started my own journey with my own boys Patrick and Angelo and wanting to help and support those who like them have a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum condition I am frustrated and disappointed with the lack of facilities and support across the UK.

Of course, Autism spectrum conditions does not just affect children and teenagers this is a lifelong condition for many people who can often face perplexing problems such as behaviour difficulties and many overlapping conditions such as Dyslexia, Obsessional Compulsive Disorder etc. The facilities are beginning to improve however, with Local Authorities and Charities being hit with cuts it is an ongoing battle.

Families and carers need respite breaks, access to better educational facilities and help with finding employment for their children – it is difficult enough for all young people looking for work these days so having a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition can makes it even harder, and sadly for many they simply give up trying because of a lack of response and understanding from employers.

I have seen, this directly through my own two sons who are on the spectrum, and through countless encounters and discussions with many young and older people just how much they have to offer. As I said in my book individuals like my sons are ‘Not Stupid’ just different, and often with enormous skills, intelligence and the ability to master many complex tasks and projects.

Therefore, it is so important that all of us who are involved with and diagnosed with Autism spectrum should continue to fight hard and make our voices heard in improving educational and other resources for individuals, their families and carers. I also know that there is a huge demand for help, support and advice among the growing community of people whose children or loved ones are touched by autism.

Since we launched Anna Kennedy Online, we have seen visits to the site grow enormously as more people discover what we are about and can offer and contribute their experiences, tips and advice that can help others who are looking for help. I have been truly humbled by the number of emails and letters I receive from people telling me that they have at last found somewhere they can turn to for help and support. You can see my journey further below which includes some amazing experiences that I would love to share with you, I’m so fortunate to have a fantastic team.

My ‘A Team’ Lisa Robins, Tally Nothey and my husband Sean and our Charity Champions, Patrons and Charity Ambassadors who help us spread the work of our Charity. Please click here to read an article – called an Interview with Anna Kennedy OBE.

Important news: Please help us register in place to help ease worries of carers where we have started a petition to social care minister Helen Whately. with the support of many including ITV who highlighted concerns of ‘Who will look after my autistic sons when I’m no longer around?’ Click here to read this.

As a small charity, we work hard provide workshops, training, legal advice and talks across the UK and well as an up to date website and daily apprises on social media. We work tirelessly on annual events such as our legendary showcase of ‘Autism’s Got Talent’ with the main event as well as the various roadshows; we have our successful annual events such as the AKO Autism Expo and the Autism Hero Awards, as well as local events and fundraisers.

We are delighted an official partnership with Includability – The Home of Inclusive Employers. We mirror Includability’s values of ensuring everyone receives an equal opportunity for any job.

Social Media e.g. Facebook and Twitter is such a valuable resource and I have created an autism virtual community of our 100k followers where we share up to date information, tips, advice and success stories where our children and adults have made progress however, small is HUGE to a family with a child on the spectrum.

Our campaigning work is also a big part of our work also targets issues such as autism diagnosis, our autism anti bullying of autistic children Campaign ‘Give us a Break! in schools. Our culture campaign continues and we regularly monitoring the media and Parliament and speaking at events at the House of Commons to find ways of getting our views heard and hopefully putting pressure on those in power to make changes.

I am proud to be patron to DaisyChain, Autism Support Crawley, Kilmarnock Horse Rescue, Cheshire Autism Practical Support, Square Peg Foundation, Camp Mohawk Autism Early Support and an ambassador for Special Dreams Foundation, Autism Anglia Born Anxious , and Includability. Also a committee member of LOANI, Ladies Of All Nations International Group.

We do have many expenses and running costs, so we are always seeking help through advertising, sponsorship or donations. If you are able to help in any way please click hereand go to our donations page. Also if you know any organisations that would like to advertise on the Anna Kennedy Online portal please contact Lisa Robins at lisa.robins@annakennedyonline.com or call us on 01895 540187.

All the Best
Anna Kennedy OBE

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Who will look after our children when we are no longer around?

Please click on the icons below to read the media coverage of Dr Anna Kennedy selected as autism Ambassador of the Year by IAOTP

Press Release Jet

Please see below our strong partnerships, projects and key honourable moments our founder Anna Kennedy has been involved in..

Queen honours – Nov 2012

Anna was awarded an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for her services and campaigning work for autistic children. Anna said “Obviously I am honoured and my love for my sons and husband has kept me going. I hope to use this award to springboard improvements and changes in the world of autism and I will accept the OBE on behalf of all families who are diagnosed with Autism.”

Click here to watch

Tesco’s Mum of the Year – 2013

Anna shared: ‘People with autism shouldn’t be hidden. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I want all children, including my own boys, to have the chance to make a mark on the world just like everybody else.’ The Tesco judges said: ‘Anna’s single handed determination to help families living with autism, while also being a full-time carer to her two sons, is truly inspirational.’

Click here to watch

TedX – Breakthrough April 2016

Anna was invited as a guest speaker by TedX as their theme was ‘Breakthrough’ and this talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organised by a local community. Anna shared: “Being diagnosed with autism isn’t the end but the beginning of an incredible journey” and shared her incredible journey of living with her two with autism, from coming to terms with it, to succeeding and achieving in school and in life.

Click here to watch this video

Amnesty International – March 2018

Anna Kennedy has been highlighted by Amnesty International as woman making an extraordinary difference. Anna won fresh recognition for her pioneering support for children with autism. Anna was also featured on Amnesty’s Suffragette Spirit Map of Britain of woman who have gone above and beyond, which resulted in them being nominated.

Click here to watch this video

BBC One: Documentary “Harvey and me” with Anna Kennedy: 2021

Katie Price discussed plans to reunite with Anna Kennedy OBE discussed plans with Katie Price and advice on residential colleges for Harvey in the BBC film, for an online series exclusively featuring guests on the Spectrum.

Click here to watch this documentary

Dr. Anna Kennedy OBE – honored member of IAOTP: 2022

Dr. Anna Kennedy, OBE selected as Top Autism Ambassador of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her amazing and heroic philanthropic efforts she has made in the Autism Community

Click here to watch this

BBC1’s: The People’s Strictly journey

Anna was chosen as one of six “inspirational but everyday heroes”, from more than 11,000 nominees, to take part in BBC One’s The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief in February 2015. Please click on the links below to watch the videos below to follow her journey through this incredible opportunity to share her life and also raising Autism Awareness to an audience of 11 million!