Autism show – July 2025

On Daytime, Aston was joined was joined by his regular contributor Anna Kennedy OBE from autism charity Annakennedyonline as they chat All Things Autism for the month of July. They highlighted the annoucement of the Autism’s Got Talent line ups for both London in October and for a roadshow in September. They also spoke to guests as well.

The first of Aston and Anna’s guests was Ellen McDonald from True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation.

The second of Aston and Anna’s guests was Lana Mitchell.

The third of Aston and Anna’s guests was podcaster Rohini Rathour.

Anna had this to say after the show:

“Another busy show for Aston and I talking ‘All things Autism in Essex’ for the month of July. 

Our guests this month were Ellen McDonald from True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation, author Rohini Rathour and Lana Mitchell a self taught artist. 

Our first guest Ellen chatted about True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation and their work.

Ellen talked about how BBC DIY SOS were amazing and helped them create their special space enjoyed now  by over 300 children and young adults in Whitley Bay and surrounding areas.

Ellen and her mum Alisar Jane, founder of True Colours Theatre and I were sooo excited to be announcing the North East Performers for Autism’s got Talent the Roadshow.

We are all so very excited to be collaborating together!

Tickets are on sale at the Playhouse Theatre in Whitley Bay.

The showcase of talented performers takes place on Saturday 6th September. Doors open 5:30 pm and show starts at 6:30 pm.

The stage is waiting for our performers and they are drumroll:

• Jasmine Brinkhurst
• Charlie Conway
• Henry Bradshaw  
• Eve Devenney
• Kieron Lee
• Macauley Elvin
• Alfie Millar Fenwick
• Hannah Ritchie & Logan Mellish
• Kian Butler
• Fred Tennant
• Grace Pommells
• Freya Prince
• Alfie Webster
• Jenny Eds Robinson
• True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation

Saturday 6th September 2025

Ticket link on our charity website www.annakennedyonline.com and the theatre website.

Our second guest was Lana Mitchell.

Lana from a very young age, knew she wanted to be creating things and showing her talents and her unique ideas, she is autistic. 

She shared :

‘Autism shouldn’t define me and my talents and anyone else with this uniqueness!

I am a self taught artist, whom which I love to paint, draw,craft things and make cosplays!

I love the theatre especially oliver and wicked and in my spare time I volunteer at a charity shop.’

Lana is excited to be performing on AutIsm’s got Talent in October at the Mermaid Theatre. She also showcased her artwork at The Autism and Art exhibition in the Firepit Gallery. She was overwhelmed Vicky Michelle actually bought her creation. 

Our final guest was the talented Rohini Rathour .

In this radio interview  we spoke about her new book What’s in Your Backpack? 

The 7 C’s To An Abundant Life, we explored the metaphorical backpack every one of us carries from the moment we are born. In this book, Rohini invites us to put down this backpack, and become aware of what’s inside: what still belongs with us and what can be let go.  

Rohini as a mother of a child who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, in this conversation we explore how some of the themes in her book helped her connect and communicate with her son. She hopes it will help our listeners do the same, and to build a foundation for their neurodivergent loved on to create their own blueprint of an abundant life.

This book is available on Amazon:

https://amzn.eu/d/i4vqelq

Another great show for Aston and I. 

We are off to give a talk together to students at a college in Basildon very soon. 

Sending positive vibes to you all .

See you all in August! 

Best wishes

Anna” 

All Things Autism in Essex will return soon.