Autism Show – November 2024

On Daytime, Aston was joined by regular contributor Anna Kennedy OBE from autism charity Annakennedyonline as they chat All Things Autism in Essex.

There was the latest talking points wihtin the autism community, Autism Hero Awards and also a local football team taking part in a mainstream football fixture.

The first of Aston & Anna’s guests was Annakennedyonline patron Steven Smith.

The second of Aston & Anna’s guests was Dan Franklyn from local football team Autistic FC.

The third of Aston & Anna’s guests was Autism’s Got Talent performer Andrew McMurdie.

Anna had this to say after the show:

“Another busy show for Aston and I talking ‘All things Autism in Essex’ on Gateway Radio 97.8 FM.

Aston and I talked about our love of dance and All things Strictly. Aston also updated me on how is dad Keith and Aston were progressing with their dance training and fund raising for St Lukes Hospice.

Our guests today were one of my charity Patron’s Steven Smith . 

Steven kindly judged our sixth year of the Autism Hero Awards which will be held in March at The Holiday Inn Regents Park. He spoke of how difficult it is to choose three finalists for each category.

We also spoke about our new Autism Hero category. 

Nominations are now open for Autism Hero Awards: Human Animal Bond Award

Celebrating the connection with an animal and the difference it can make to the life of a person with Autism.

Sponsored by UK Pet Food, the winner will be chosen by our wonderful judges: Wendy Turner Webster, Victoria Featherstone Pearce, and Tess Eagle Swan & Kratu.

“Our second guest was Dan Franklyn one of the Managers of Autistic FC an inclusive football team based on Essex. 

The club was born from the vision of our founder, Charlie. After struggling to find a place where he truly felt understood in a mainstream football setting, Charlie envisioned a different kind of team—one where neurodiverse children could thrive.

In 2019, that vision was brought to life in the back garden, where Charlie shared his idea: to create a football team that was welcoming, inclusive, and, most importantly, a safe space where autistic children could be themselves.

From that moment, we set to work to turn Charlie’s dream into reality—a team built on understanding, support, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to enjoy and succeed in the game they love.

Our final guest was Andrew Mc Murdie one of this years Autism’s got Talent performers. Andrew started singing and playing the guitar at the age of 16. Since his performance he has made friends and even shared on starting a romantic relationship with one of the performers. Exciting! 

Today the DAWN Christmas cards arrived in the office. 

They have been lovingly produced by Linda Green and Steve Green. DAWN will be featuring one of the artists each month on their website. One of the designs were by Angelo my son . I am very proud.

Order your cards here :

https://dawnsupport.co.uk/christmas-cards

Looking forward to the December show where I will be at the Gateway Radio studio.

Sending positive vibes and love.

“Anna x

All Things Autism in Essex will return soon.