Join autism advocate Thomas in this deeply personal conversation with Anna Kennedy as he shares his transformative journey from a lonely, misunderstood child diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 10 to becoming a powerful voice for autism awareness and mental health advocacy. With a degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Manchester, a Commonwealth Golden Medal in Taekwondo, and years of dedicated self-improvement work, Thomas brings a unique perspective to understanding the darker, often overlooked aspects of autism including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This episode also features valuable community resources including the innovative Autism Passport initiative and Send Family Support’s activity clubs for families with special educational needs. Anna introduces listeners to essential tools like the comprehensive autism passport that helps eliminate repetitive questioning at medical appointments, while Thomas opens up about his academic journey and the isolation he experienced in secondary school before finding his path to advocacy and helping others navigate their own personal growth journeys.