On grit, advocacy, and never giving up (with Anna Kennedy OBE)

In Episode 2 of The Beautiful Reality of Autism, Guy is joined by Anna Kennedy OBE to discuss what happens when families are left without the right support, and what determined advocacy can achieve.

Anna shares her journey from diagnosis delays and school exclusion to opening specialist provision, building support networks, and creating platforms like Autism’s Got Talent to raise confidence and challenge stigma.

You will hear practical advice for parents on early intervention, preparing for meetings, planning for adulthood, and celebrating small but meaningful milestones.

If you are supporting an autistic child and feeling overwhelmed, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and that progress is possible.

Anna Kennedy Online: www.annakennedyonline.com

Autism’s Got Talent info and auditions: https://annakennedyonline.com/applications-open-for-autisms-got-talent-2026/

If you have found this episode helpful and would like to support Transforming Autism’s work, you can make a donation here.

Every contribution means we can support even more young Autistic children to fulfil their potential and, with their families, live happy, fulfilling lives.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Opening reflection: a hard but rewarding journey
• 00:22 - Introduction and Anna’s wider impact
• 01:36 - Diagnosis in the 1990s and early family challenges
• 04:46 - Discovering the diagnosis and school struggles
• 11:33 - Running a school while parenting without enough respite
• 13:47 - Adult provision, trusts, and long-term planning
• 17:00 - Building the school: funding, staffing, and persistence
• 26:29 - Why Autism’s Got Talent began
• 29:47 - Global impact, confidence, and friendships
• 33:46 - Practical advice for parents
• 39:04 - Final message: your child can help you find your voice
• 17:00 - Building a school with community support
• 22:57 - Expanding into adult services and residential care

This episode is shared for information and support. It is not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, contact your GP or relevant professional support.

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Music: My Starwing by Nathaniel Weilein

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About Transforming Autism:

Transforming Autism is a UK charity focused on early autism support for children aged 0–12 and their families, with a strong emphasis on the earliest years (0-4). We help parents reconnect with their autistic child through strong trust-based relationships and create environments where children and the whole family can flourish. To learn more or access support, visit transformingautism.org.

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