Anna Kennedy (born 12 March 1960) is a disability/neurodiversity campaigner who has worked to provide improved education and other services and support for children and adults described as being on the autism spectrum as well as other neurodivergent conditions.
In pursuing these activities she has (among other things) helped establish two schools, a college, a respite home and a website with over 100,000 international followers.
[1] Kennedy was given an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) Award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2012 for her services.
They have two sons, Patrick and Angelo;[4] when the boys reached school age, Anna Kennedy discovered that they are autistic.
It was difficult for Anna and Sean to find a suitable education for their eight-year-old; they started a support group in their home, which grew rapidly and was joined by 275 families.
A very popular part of what the charity does is offer free online legal seminars using fully qualified, practicing lawyers; these workshops are generally applicable autism and indeed all disabilities, their objective being to make what in legal terms appears complicated look simple[8] Anna also provides training for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)[9] and Child line with regards to the disability bullying issue and create awareness about autism all over the UK.
[11] Based on the story of a mother who fights to rescue the lives of her children from autism[12] this bestselling biography is available on Amazon.
[16] This campaign aimed to raise awareness about the bullying of autistic children in school and colleges, particularly during break times, highlighted the need for autistic children to feel safe by providing them opportunities to indulge in positive activities and to encourage schools and colleges to share the ways they can improve their social skills and keep them safe too.
[6] The former Prime Minister's wife, Samantha Cameron, was invited to the official opening of a special school set up by Anna Kennedy with others in Kent, South East London.
In 2023 Anna worked with Metropolitan Police Service on producing the document: "Stop and Search guidance for autistic people".
[25] Anna's story has been published in various magazines and newspapers, and appeared as 'pick of the day' an hour long Video Diary Documentary on BBC.