Anna Kennedy OBE shares her inspirational story: building autism schools, founding charity Anna Kennedy Online & creating the Autism Hero Awards
Anna Kennedy OBE is a globally recognised autism advocate, disability campaigner, and inspirational mother whose journey began in the early 1990s when her two sons, Patrick and Angelo, were diagnosed on the autism spectrum. What started as a desperate search for appropriate education transformed into a lifelong mission of a mother’s love that has revolutionised autism awareness, acceptance, and support across the UK and beyond. When mainstream schools couldn’t meet her sons’ needs, Anna and her husband Sean remortgaged their home and opened Hillingdon Manor School in 1999.
This was just the beginning of building an autism empire. Anna has since played a key role in establishing two schools, a college, and a respite home, alongside her charity Anna Kennedy Online, now followed by over 100,000 people worldwide. Anna’s groundbreaking initiatives include the internationally celebrated Autism’s Got Talent, the Autism Hero Awards, and national anti-bullying campaigns.
Her “Give Us a Break” campaign tackled bullying of autistic children during school break times, while her work with the Metropolitan Police created essential Stop and Search guidance for autistic individuals. In 2012, Anna was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for her services to special needs education and autism. She has also received an honorary doctorate from Teesside University, was named Top Global Impact Ambassador of the Year by IAOTP in 2023, and was a Lorraine’s Women of the Year Finalist.
Anna is also the author of the bestselling biography “Not Stupid,” hosts a weekly radio show on Women’s Radio Station discussing “All Things Autism,” and even competed on BBC’s People’s Strictly for Comic Relief, receiving four perfect 10s for her Charleston. Her work extends far beyond awards and accolades—Anna has created a movement of inclusion, understanding, and celebration for autistic individuals and their families, proving that one mother’s determination can change thousands of lives.
SW: The Autism Hero Awards are such a powerful celebration of outstanding individuals in the autism community. What inspired you to create this recognition platform, and what does it mean to you personally when you see nominees and winners taking their place in the spotlight? Can you share what makes someone an “autism hero” in your eyes?
A K: I created the UK Autism Hero Awards because, for so long, so many autistic individuals and their families felt invisible. I wanted to shine a light on their incredible achievements and give them the recognition they deserve.
For the last six years, when I see the finalists and winners on stage, it can be so emotional for them, their family, and their friends. There is a real sense of pride and hope in the room. It’s one of the most uplifting charity events of the year.
In my opinion, an autism hero is someone who goes above and beyond because they genuinely care. Individuals or groups who promote inclusion and acceptance can truly change a person’s life.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNEMARIE BICKERTON
SW: You and Sean made the brave decision to remortgage your home to open a school for Patrick and Angelo. That’s a terrifying leap of faith for any parent. Can you take us back to that moment when you signed those papers? What gave you the courage to risk everything, and were there nights when fear kept you awake wondering if you’d made the right decision?
AK: I must admit I was the driver for this decision. I didn’t hesitate—I was focused. Every book I had read about autism clearly stated that “early intervention is crucial for autistic children.” With the boys only receiving five hours of home tuition per week, I couldn’t see any other way forward. Of course, there were sleepless nights. What kept me going were my boys and the belief that there was no other option—it simply had to work.
This was an act of pure love, determination, and courage. The more parents contacted me, desperate for a decent education that was relevant and meaningful for their children, the harder I worked and reached out to others who could help. Looking back, it was worth it, despite all the ups and downs that came our way.
PHOTOGRAPHER TERRY SCOTT
SW: As a mother raising two autistic sons while building schools, running a charity, and campaigning nationally, how do you navigate the guilt that so many working mothers feel—especially when your work is directly connected to your children? How do you find balance between being “Anna the autism advocate” and “Anna, Patrick and Angelo’s mum”?
AK: In the early days, finding balance was almost impossible. I was juggling many responsibilities and learning as I went. I attended meetings with my boys in tow, reached out to companies for help, and realised later that it was all worth it—because of my boys. They were my motivation to keep pushing forward.
In my mind, I was constantly giving myself a pep talk: “If we don’t do this, who will?” I didn’t feel guilt; it was something that simply had to be done so that Patrick and Angelo, and other autistic children, could reap the rewards and feel valued.
SW: From opening schools to establishing a respite home, Anna Kennedy Online has created tangible, life-changing support systems for autistic individuals and their families. Can you walk us through how you identify the gaps in autism support and turn them into concrete solutions? What’s been the most challenging initiative to get off the ground, and which one has surprised you most with its impact?
AK: Everything I have tried to build, and everyone I’ve worked with throughout the years, has come from listening to parents, autistic children, adults, professionals, and families who feel unheard and invisible. I also follow my gut instinct—it usually serves me well.
When I start hearing the same struggle or “I wish there was something like this,” that’s when I know there may be a gap that needs filling. From there, it’s about finding a way to turn that need into something real and tangible.
The hardest project was definitely opening the school—a huge learning curve. The red tape, funding challenges, and knockbacks were endless. I’m known for my tenacity and drive, and for not giving in. As I always say, one door shuts and another opens.
My biggest surprise has been the online community. I didn’t expect it to grow the way it has, especially during lockdown. The connection and support people found through myself and our volunteers reminded me how powerful our autism community can be.
PHOTOGRAPHER TERRY SCOTT
SW: Autism’s Got Talent has become world-renowned, showcasing the incredible abilities of autistic performers. But you created it after hearing heartbreaking stories of bullying through your “Give Us a Break” campaign. Can you tell us about the emotional journey from witnessing that pain to creating a platform that celebrates talent? How does it feel when you watch these performers take the stage?
AK: Hearing the heartbreaking stories from the “Give Us a Break” campaign while working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Esther Rantzen in 2011 made me realise how many young people were being overlooked or bullied.
After being invited to Woman of the Year and watching a show of young performers at The Mermaid Theatre, I wanted to create a space that celebrated what autistic children and adults can do—not what they struggle with. That’s how Autism’s Got Talent began. I became the Simon Cowell of the autism world!
Every time I watch the performers take to the stage, it amazes me how they step it up 100 percent from the technical rehearsal—it’s always so emotional. Their confidence, creativity, and pride when receiving a standing ovation, and seeing their families’ joy, remind me why we’ve been doing this for 14 years. As a charity, we give autistic individuals the spotlight they deserve. My dream is to take the show to Wembley.
SW: You’ve spoken about having your “autism free zone”—your Thursday Zumba class where you can just be Anna and release stress through dance. This resonates deeply with our She Would community who understand that self-care isn’t selfish. How do you give yourself permission to step away from the constant demands of advocacy, and what would you say to other mothers and carers who feel guilty taking time for themselves?
AK: My love of dancing is my “autism-free zone.” It’s the one time I can just be Anna, let go of stress, and not think about meetings or campaigns. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. If you don’t take time for yourself, you can’t be fully there for your family or the people who depend on you. Even small moments of care matter. I always share with parents the importance of “Take 5” to recharge your batteries. You are the lynchpin keeping the family together, so you must look after yourself whenever you can. I do know it’s not easy.
SW: Anna Kennedy Online has grown from a personal mission into a charity followed by over 100,000 people worldwide. What are the key initiatives and programmes your charity is focusing on right now, and how can our She Would community get involved— whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness? What kind of support makes the biggest difference to the families you serve?
PHOTOGRAPHER TERRY SCOTT
AK: Our charity has come a long way from when it was just my personal mission. Today, Anna Kennedy Online supports families, children, and adults through advice, online workshops, public speaking, TV and radio appearances, and events.
We are a small charity made up of volunteers, and donations and sponsorships help fund projects and essential services. Volunteering can make a huge difference—whether helping to run events, supporting families directly, or simply spreading awareness.
The support that matters most is the kind that shows families they’re not alone. This could be practical or emotional. Every message, every share, every act of kindness has a ripple effect, especially in this uncertain world we are living in. It reminds families that their children are seen, valued, and celebrated—which is what everyone wants in the end, isn’t it?
PATRON STEVEN SMITH ANNA KENNEDY OBE PRESENTERS OF AUTISMS GOT TALENT ASTON AVERY AND PHILLIP BARNET
SW: Looking at everything you’ve built—the schools, the charity, the campaigns, the cultural shift in autism awareness— what legacy do you hope Patrick and Angelo see when they look at their mother’s work? And what advice would you give to a mother who’s just received an autism diagnosis for her child and is sitting where you were thirty years ago, feeling lost and overwhelmed?
AK: When I think about legacy, I hope Patrick and Angelo see that their mam never gave up—that I used every challenge, heartbreak, and struggle to make life better for them and for families like ours. I hope they see that my passion, drive, relentlessness, and love can create real change, and that it’s never too late to fight for what matters.
For a mother who’s just received an autism diagnosis, I would say, first of all, breathe. You don’t have to have all the answers, and it’s okay to feel lost or overwhelmed—it’s natural. Take it one day at a time, trust your instincts, and know that you’re not alone. Reach out, ask for support, and remember that your child’s potential is enormous and your love is the most powerful thing you can give them.
Find out more about Anna Kennedy OBE here
Find out more about the GIVE US A BREAK campaign
via shewould.co.uk
