AUDIO
Posted by Aston Avery
Autism Show – May 2026
All Things Autism in Essex returned for the month of May and Aston was joined on Daytime by his regular contributor Anna Kennedy OBE, founder of autism charity Annakennedyonline to highlight the recent Autism Hero Awards and preview Autism’s Got Talent which takes place on 10th October at Mermaid Theatre in Blackfriars, London.
The first of Aston and Anna’s guests was the recipient of the Human Animal Bond award at this years Autism Hero Awards Anais Meaker.
The second of Aston and Anna’s guests was the recipient of the Creative Arts & Media award at this years Autism Hero Awards Charlotte Faulconbridge.
The third of Aston and Anna guests was Karen Mason.
Anna had this say to after the show:
“Aston and I had another busy ‘All things Autism’ for the month of May.
We shared our review for The Autism Hero Awards 2026 and two of our guests were winners from last week’s awards.
Our first guest and winner of the Animal Bond Award was :
Anais Meaker and Misha:
The bond between Anais and Misha is incredible and a privilege to see. Anais trained Misha as her assistance dog herself, with the support of Pawsable CIC, and they have recently graduated, having passed their public access test. Despite struggling with her physical and mental health, Anais always puts Misha’s needs first – she says her priority is being the best dog Mum she can possibly be.
As a white German Shepherd, Misha isn’t the typical assistance dog, but she works amazingly for Anais, calming her anxiety, providing deep pressure therapy and supporting her through her significant health problems. People look twice when they see such a large – and hairy! – assistance dog, but the two of them just fit together; Anais and Misha are soulmates, and they look after each other. Their bond is incredible.
Our second guest and winner of the Creative Arts and Media Awards was Charlotte Faulconbridge:
Charlotte Faulconbridge is a prize-winning performance poet and musician who advocates for other autistic individuals through her creativity. Her book about her autism acceptance journey got to number 1 on the Amazon bestseller charts and she donates all the profits to autism charities in her town and local community.
She set out on a UK book tour in 2025 to take her story on the road so she could represent the autistic community nationwide and connect with like-minded souls. She won the prestigious Cheltenham Poetry Festival Slam Competition with a poem about her autism and performed it in British Sign Language as she was born mute and is passionate about raising awareness for alternative methods of communication. This was the first time a poem in BSL had ever won.
Her winning poem was chosen to be broadcast across the BBC for Autism Awareness Week and was shown on a big screen in major UK cities on National Poetry Day. At 23 she set up her own foundation aiming to help children and young adults access alternative educational provisions within Coventry and Warwickshire as she believes everyone has the right to access inclusive schooling if they wish.
Our final guest was Karen Mason:
Karen Mason whose brother has three neurodivergent children has created what she says is the UK’s first-ever caravan designed for neurodivergent guests. Karen, who has more than 36 years’ experience of working in the holiday park sector, and her husband James who has knowledge of construction and design are now hoping to see holiday homes suitable for neurodiverse families across the UK
My Safe Place Southern already has its first project completed. Working with Verdant Parks and Sunseeker Holiday Homes, the company has created the UK’s first purpose-built neurodivergent friendly caravan at the Riverside Holiday Park in Wooler, Northumberland.
“Wouldn’t it be great if all holiday parks were places where every family, whatever their needs, could relax, connect, and make lasting memories,” said Karen, who was inspired after talking to her brother. She said: “He told me he can’t travel abroad with his kids and both his experiences at UK caravan parks were so stressful he decided never to book another holiday park again.”
Karen and James are now working with holiday home manufacturers and park operators to develop totally new caravans and lodges with bespoke sensory equipment and important safety features. They have also developed a cost-effective retrofit package which allows existing holiday accommodation to be adapted for use by neurodiverse families.
My Safe Place Southern also provides the training required so that team members working on the parks have the knowledge to be able to support families staying with them. Karen said: “This isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. Inclusion broadens your customer base, builds loyalty, and sets you apart in an increasingly competitive market.”
Tomorrow the ‘Autism is not Extremism #Showupspeakout’ march is taking place in Parliament Square at 10:30am . I am unable to attend however, I contributed my speech online which ahs had over 50k views and hundreds of shares:
‘As a mother to two autistic adults, wife to an autistic man, and chairperson of an autism charity, I am deeply angry and heartbroken that in 2026 we are still having to defend autistic people against dangerous misunderstandings and could shape public perception.
I have campaigned for autistic children and adults since 1998. I have listened to thousands of families who feel exhausted, ignored, judged, and pushed to breaking point by systems that are supposed to support them.
AUTISM IS NOT EXTREMISM.
Autistic people are not threats. They are human beings who deserve dignity, understanding, opportunities, and protection. When organisations and authorities fail to understand autism properly, the consequences can be devastating for families already struggling to cope.
Ofsted and policymakers must take responsibility and start listening to autistic people, parents, charities, and professionals with lived experience , not create fear and stigma that isolates vulnerable people even further.
As a mother of autistic sons, I know firsthand the sleepless nights, the battles for education and support, the anxiety, and the pain families carry every single day. We should not also have to fight against harmful labels and policies that make autistic people feel criminalised for simply being different.
I stand proudly with everyone attending the ‘Show Up Speak Out demonstration ‘ in Parliament Square on May 22nd.
We will not stay silent.
We will not allow autistic voices to be dismissed.
And we will continue fighting until autistic people are treated with the respect, compassion, and equality they deserve.
Enough is enough.’
Anna Kennedy OBE
Don’t forget Autism’s got Talent entries are due in by May 31. Please see www.annakennedyonline.com
Looking forward to be back with Aston for the Month of June. Enjoy your Bank Holiday Weekend.
Please see 2shades Magazine article about the Autism Hero Awards:”
All Things Autism in Essex will return soon.
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