{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68efb2c251a2f46134c39ff6/69b00427b58ea3074d0c18c4?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"On grit, advocacy, and never giving up (with Anna Kennedy OBE)","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/68efb2c251a2f46134c39ff6/1773149129322-41fcd9e0-ba9a-4796-9f3a-5856eb902225.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In Episode 2 of The Beautiful Reality of Autism, Guy is joined by <strong>Anna Kennedy OBE</strong> to discuss what happens when families are left without the right support, and what&nbsp;determined&nbsp;advocacy can achieve.&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>You will hear practical advice for parents on early intervention, preparing for meetings, planning for adulthood, and celebrating small but meaningful milestones.&nbsp;</p><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Anna Kennedy Online:&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.annakennedyonline.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">www.annakennedyonline.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Autism’s Got Talent info and auditions:&nbsp;<a href=\"https://annakennedyonline.com/applications-open-for-autisms-got-talent-2026/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://annakennedyonline.com/applications-open-for-autisms-got-talent-2026/</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>If you have found this episode helpful and would like to support Transforming Autism’s work, you can&nbsp;<a href=\"https://tinyurl.com/tap-donate\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>make a donation&nbsp;here</strong></a>.</p><p>Every contribution means we can support even more young Autistic children to fulfil their potential and, with their families, live happy, fulfilling lives.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>00:00 - Opening reflection: a hard but rewarding journey&nbsp;</li><li>00:22 - Introduction and Anna’s wider impact&nbsp;</li><li>01:36 - Diagnosis in the 1990s and early family challenges&nbsp;</li><li>04:46 - Discovering the diagnosis and school struggles&nbsp;</li><li>11:33 - Running a school while parenting without enough respite&nbsp;</li><li>13:47 - Adult provision, trusts, and long-term planning&nbsp;</li><li>17:00 - Building the school: funding, staffing, and persistence&nbsp;</li><li>26:29 - Why Autism’s Got Talent began&nbsp;</li><li>29:47 - Global impact, confidence, and friendships</li><li>33:46 - Practical advice for parents&nbsp;</li><li>39:04 - Final message: your child can help you find your voice&nbsp;</li><li>17:00 - Building a school with community support&nbsp;</li><li>22:57 - Expanding into adult services and residential care&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>This episode is shared&nbsp;for&nbsp;information and support. It is not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, contact your GP or relevant professional support.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Follow Transforming Autism:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/transformingautismproject\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/transforming-autism/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/transformingautismuk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://transformingautism.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Website</a></p><p><br></p><p>Music: My&nbsp;Starwing&nbsp;by Nathaniel&nbsp;Weilein</p><p>Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube? <a href=\"https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuieNmho0aRflbL-wNAw9up0_WKXOH9zV&amp;si=BqA9RwfwMltP8Cj0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Click here</a></p><p><br></p><p>About Transforming Autism:</p><p>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&nbsp;<a href=\"https://transformingautism.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">transformingautism.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Transforming Autism"}