AKO Team Celebrates Bradley Riches at the Launch of Autistically Me
The Anna Kennedy Online team went to support fellow charity patron Bradley Riches at the book launch for Autistically Me: How to Understand and Celebrate Our Autistic Minds, and what a lovely evening it was.
Many people will know Bradley from Heartstopper, Emmerdale and Celebrity Big Brother. For me, watching him on Celebrity Big Brother was the moment I really connected with his story.
I recognised another autistic person who, like myself, has often not fitted the “stereotype” of what people expect autism to look like. That can be difficult at times, and it was moving to see someone speak so openly and proudly about their experiences.
I am only a few chapters into Autistically Me, but I cannot remember the last time I felt so engrossed in a book. There have already been moments that brought tears to my eyes. Some parts felt very familiar, while others made me feel proud that stories like Bradley’s are being shared so openly.
What I really like about the book is that it feels personal and honest. Bradley shares his experiences in a way that feels real, while also offering helpful reflections around understanding ourselves, setting boundaries, managing sensory needs and finding connections.
I think many autistic readers will see parts of themselves in this book, and I also think families, educators, friends, and allies could take a lot from it.
The launch was held at The Little Violet Door in Soho, which was such a brilliant venue for the evening. It is a quirky, colourful, house-party-themed bar that feels like stepping into someone’s very cool flatshare. From the living room-style area upstairs to the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom downstairs, there was something fun to notice everywhere you looked, including an Alexa in the loo!
Of course, the AKO team could not resist getting involved with the venue’s quirky features, and yes, we did take a splash in the tub! It made for a great photo moment and summed up the evening perfectly. Full of laughter, pride, celebration and a little bit of silliness too.
On behalf of the AKO team, we are so proud of Bradley. Autistically Me is more than just a book; it is a reminder that autistic voices matter and that our stories deserve to be heard. Bradley, thank you for continuing to be open, brave and true to yourself. Your work is helping so many people feel seen, and that is something very special.
Being autistic is not something to hide. It is something to understand, accept and celebrate. Autistically Me is available now through major book retailers, including Waterstones, (click to see), Amazon, Bookshop.org and directly from Watkins Publishing.
