Dr. Anna Kennedy is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, and Founder of the UK Autism Charity Anna Kennedy Online. She was recently selected by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) as the Top Global Impact Ambassador of the Year for 2023 for her outstanding leadership, dedication and contributions to autistic children, parents of autistic children, professionals, media and all who are concerned with autism.
While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) is an honor, choosing the Top Global Impact Ambassador comes with great purpose, admiration, and respect. This member inspires others, shows gratitude, brings people together, and helps people feel connected. With her service, she has displayed innovative leadership practices, pushed others towards success, and made sure people’s voices leave an impact. Ms. Kennedy has superior performance in her field. She is passionate about her work and holds high morals and integrity in all she does. IAOTP will honor her for this distinction at their Annual Awards Gala in December 2023. www.iaotp.com/award-gala
Dr. Anna Kennedy is a Globally Recognized and Celebrated Leading Autism Ambassador. With more than 24 years of professional experience as a gifted educator, mother, and autism advocate, Dr. Anna Kennedy has proven to be an expert in autism advocacy and has a distinguished record of accomplishment.
In the early 90s both of her sons Patrick and Angelo were diagnosed on the autism spectrum at aged 5 and 3 years old respectfully. Anna and her husband, Sean also on the autism spectrum and a Barrister, started a support group in their home for Autism…275 families joined and then they moved into a church hall. With this level of achievement, they refinanced their home and raised substantial finances to open a unique school to meet their children’s educational requirements and Anna has cofounded 2 schools and an adult vocational centre and residential home.
Anna’s eldest son is full time employed, and her youngest attends the vocational college she set up and is working on his independent living skills since he will continue to need 1 to 1 support for the rest of his life.
As the founder and CEO of Anna Kennedy Online Autism Charity, her team actively incorporates workshops, training, legal counsel, and speaking appearances throughout the United Kingdom. In addition, they update social media platforms and the AnnaKennedyOnline website to maintain current. Includability- The Home of Inclusive Employers is a partner in the effort to guarantee that all individuals have equitable access to employment opportunities.
A significant portion of this charity provides vital resources through a virtual autistic community with over 100,000 members. They give guidance, suggestions, current information, and success stories regarding the advancement of children and individuals on the autism spectrum via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Campaigning for the cause focuses on autism diagnosis concerns. During Autism Awareness Month (April), their “Give us a Break” anti-bullying campaign for Autism promoted awareness in schools and universities. Anna organised Autism Got Talent, which featured autistic children and adults performing on stage. From this experience many performers have been given a springboard to perform at many venues and on TV. There are several annual events, including the AKO Autism Expo at Brunel University, the Autism Hero Awards, and local events, fundraisers, and speaking engagements aimed at Parliament, the House of Commons, and the media to exert pressure and create positive change.
Anna is the author of the best-selling biography Not Stupid, which is available on Amazon. It is her account of the difficulties she encountered when establishing a school for her sons and how she enhanced the quality of life for her sons and other autistic children. Anna Kennedy is also a weekly Radio Presenter talking ‘All things Autism’ on the award winning Mental Health and Wellbeing focused Womens Radio Station. This is where Anna gives a voice and interviews Autistic Adults, Parents , Carers, Professionals and the autism community.
Dr. Anna Kennedy is an active member of the autism community and serves as an ambassador for the Special Dreams Foundation, Includability, Autism Anglia and Born Anxious. She is a committee member of LOANI, Ladies of All Nations International Group. Anna is a proud patron who supports DaisyChain, Kilmarock Horse Rescue, Autism Support Crawley, Warren Clarks Golfing Dreams and Cheshire Autism Practical Support.
Throughout her illustrious career, Anna has received awards, accolades and was recognized worldwide for her commitment to raising autism awareness and helping those on the spectrum. In 2022 she received the Top Autism Ambassador of the Year Award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). This year she is being considered for a Front Cover feature, a 2-page article in TIP (Top Industry Professional) Magazine, and the Empowered Woman of the Year Award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
Anna was appointed an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) Award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, she was voted one of six individuals for the very first BBC Peoples Strictly, and Anna and her professional Strictly partner received 4x10s for their fastest-ever Charleston on BBC Strictly. Anna was awarded the “Achieving Mum of the Year” of Tesco Mum of the Year award in 2013 for her campaign work for autistic children. She also won the “Woman of the Year” in 2009 for the Observer and Smooth Radio. Lastly, Anna received the Institute of Directors Chairman’s special award for her contributions to the autism community.
Anna and her husband are currently working with the Metropolitan Police and have created the ‘Stop and Search’ Document which has been distributed across the Police in the UK to raise further awareness of autism.
The President of IAOTP, Stephanie Cirami, stated “We are honored to have Anna as part of the IAOTP family. She is brilliant, compassionate, and an impressive advocate in her field. We will continue seeing great things from this amazing woman.”
Looking back, Dr. Anna Kennedy attributes her success to her two sons, Patrick and Angelo, who have been the driving force behind her charitable work. She believes it is essential in a growing community to make assistance, support, and guidance accessible to everyone. Anna enjoys spending time with her family outside of work and aims to inspire others by sharing her story. In the future, she will continue to advocate hard for all those diagnosed with Autism so that their voices are heard and to improve educational and other resources for affected individuals, families, and caregivers.
For more information on Dr. Anna Kennedy, please watch her video and visit her website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLLAb66tLI4&t=2s
About IAOTP
The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) is an international boutique networking organization that handpicks the world’s finest, most prestigious top professionals from different industries. These top professionals are given an opportunity to collaborate, share their ideas, be keynote speakers, and to help influence others in their fields. This organization is not a membership that anyone can join. You have to be asked by the President or be nominated by a distinguished honorary member after a brief interview.
IAOTP’s experts have given thousands of top prestigious professionals around the world, the recognition and credibility that they deserve and have helped in building their branding empires. IAOTP prides itself to be a one of a kind boutique networking organization that hand picks only the best of the best and creates a networking platform that connects and brings these top professionals to one place.
For More information on IAOTP please visit: www.iaotp.com
