Anna Kennedy

During Autism Awareness Month in April 2013, ABA and Anna launched their 'Give Us a Break' campaign. 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.

Kennedy was appointed an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) Award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2012 for her services. Kennedy is the special education correspondent of the psychology website Psychreg.

It was the first talent show organised by Anna on 12 May 2012. In this show, children and adults with autism performed on the stage at London's Mermaid Theatre. A performance from James Hobley, an autistic dancer, was also included in this show who had appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.

In 2009, Anna wrote a book named, Not Stupid which was about the struggle she had to set up the school for her kids. Based on the story of a mother who fights to rescue the lives of her children from autism this bestselling biography is available on Amazon.

Anna has been awarded by an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) in the Queen's Birthday Honors by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for her services and campaigning work for autistic children. She won an award named, 'Woman of the Year' in 2009 which runs with the collaboration of The Observer and Smooth Radio. Anna has been the recipient of the coveted Institute of Directors (IOD) Chairman's special award for her contributions to the community. She is the “Achieving Mum of the Year” of Tesco Mum of the Year Awards 2013 for her campaigning work for autistic children. She is an ambassador for the Outcomes First Group.

In 2001, Anna also set up a community college for adults. The former Prime Minister's wife, Samantha Cameron, was invited to the official opening of a Specialist School set up by Anna Kennedy in Kent, South East London.

Born in Middlesbrough to Maria and Antonino Sammarone, she studied at Sacred Heart School Middlesbrough. Before leaving for Italy, she had set up a dance school, which was owned and run by her for a number of years. She married Sean Kennedy, a qualified legal solicitor, in 1998. They had two sons, Patrick and Angelo; when the boys reached school age, Kennedy then discovered that they were affected with autism spectrum disorders.

Anna Kennedy (born 12 March 1960) is an educator who has worked to provide an improved education and other facilities for children with autism spectrum disorders. In pursuing support for these children, she has established two schools, a college, a respite home and a website with over 50,000 international followers.