All Things Autism – Autism & SEN Education

Hello, this is Anna Kennedy. We're talking all things autism and we're live. We're in Covent Garden and it's a bit of a wet afternoon, so I'm so pleased that this morning I was watching my friend Paula McGowan on BBC Breakfast. She's been one of our past women's radio station speakers and also a good friend and one of my ambassadors to the charity. Talking about mandatory training. So the Government is confirming today that every NHS and social care worker will receive mandatory training, regardless of relevant to their role. The new training is backed by 1.4 million of government funding and will focus on understanding learning, disability and autism, legislation and rights, making reasonable adjustments, such as using different communication methods for autistic people with sensory sensitivities. As part of this, the Government will run a series of trials next year to inform a wider rollout of the training, which aims to improve quality of care and and life expectancy. Work is already underway to deliver the training and testing will take place in a variety of health and social care settings to help shape how it will be rolled out and delivered in the future. So that's good news. So hopefully they will stick to that and they're saying by 2022, I believe that it will be finally all rolled out to all of the NHS and social care workers. So fingers crossed. So my guest today is the lovely Lauren Smith. She's 21 years old. She was 21 last week. Happy birthday to Lauren. And she was diagnosed with high functioning autism, age 12. She's currently studying a degree in special education with University east of London. Sorry, East London. And is passionate about supporting young people with autism. Lauren has set up a monthly social group for young people with the condition and volunteers for a local disability charity, organising social activities and fundraising. So. Hello, Lauren. Hello. And thank you so much for coming along today. Thank you for inviting me. That's fine. So tell me a little bit more about Lauren. So you had a birthday, did you do anything special? I went to see Joseph in the Technicolor Dreamcoat Theatre, which is really good. Yeah, I'd love to see that. Yeah. And you said you might like to go and see Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins in London, which is in a couple of weeks time. Oh, excellent. So you were diagnosed at age 12 and how was that for you? Were you told straight away that you had a diagnosis or did Mum and Dad sort of keep it from you for a little while? Well, the signs became more apparent when I was about 8 years old, so still at primary. I used to struggle quite a lot. But I wasn't diagnosed until I was age 12. Okay. So when Mum and Dad told me, it came as quite a relief. So I was quite pleased and I started to research the condition and I just wanted to help other people. Wow. Have you got any siblings? I've got two older brothers. Okay. And how do you get on with us? I get on quite well. Don't see them very often. So really it's just me and Mum. We stayed together and Mum's very supportive. And you've come all the way from Somerset today, so traveling on your own as well. So how was that for you? Yeah, I really like it. Slowly getting more independent and more confident. That's great. So you're going back later today, so you're going to explore a little bit of Covent Garden. It's such a lovely place. I love Covent Garden. So what were some of the key challenges you faced in mainstream school, if you don't mind sharing them with us? Well, a lot of the time Mum used to have to drag me to school crying and screaming. I didn't want to go. Okay. And I was always put up a fight. And I think I still hear this with a lot of other young people. Can I just ask, what was it about school that you didn't like? Can you express it or explain? Can you remember even just the fear of other people? I think I had lots of heightened social anxiety and the teachers didn't really understand it was the fact that I wasn't listened to. Okay. So anything else you'd like to share about the challenges you faced? Well, to begin with, I went on the school coach. But as this was too much to cope with, it got to the stage where Mum had to drive a hundred mile trip just to get me there. So it was quite a strain on the whole family. And I used to come back from school and have arguments with dad. So again, lots of pressure on the family and my social difficulties, I think were the main issues I faced. And I had selective mutism for a few years. I was unable to speak to anyone except for Mum. Okay, so for people who don't know about selective mutism, would you mind explaining a little bit about it? Don't actually know much about it. It's only from my own experience. From your own experience? Just. It's the heightened anxiety to speak to other people and not being physically able to talk. Okay, and how long did that last for when you were able to. To speak to other people and feel a little bit more confident? I think it lasted A couple of years. Okay. Alright then. Is there anything else you wanted to share? So this led to social isolation and being bullied. I didn't have many friends at school, so I was just considered as rude and obnoxious, so I couldn't understand the social expectations. And again, my heightened anxiety prevented me from speaking to people. I didn't smile or I didn't contribute to lessons. One of the main things, I would often fake an illness to leave school early if I had a PE lesson or something else I didn't want to do. I didn't eat lunch for six weeks because of the overwhelming hustle and bustle of the canteen. And the teachers then wondered why I wasn't concentrating and participating. That was the time that my son Patrick used to find difficult lunch times and I think it was because he was expected to play with other children and he used to find that very difficult. So he used to make his lunch last as long as he possibly could so that he couldn't go out to play because he was being bullied, because that was when he used to come home and say, mummy, what does cuckoo brain mean? Mummy, what does this mean? So were you able to tell the teachers that it was happening to you? I think I managed to hide it for period of, say, six months. Then I told Mum and she had to go into the school, but still there wasn't any support in place because there was lack of funding. So I didn't have a teaching assistant or anyone. So you this. How long ago, how many years ago was this? Would you say about eight, nine years ago? A little bit longer? Yeah, six or seven, I think. Yeah. And this is still happening today. So what happened to you all those years ago is still happening today because I'm speaking to parents through the charity or across social media that share in exactly the same as what you've just been sharing with me. So was there any bits that you liked about school lessons? What particular lessons did you like? I used to like English, that was my favourite lesson. But again, the teacher used to pick on me a lot to read out in front of the class, which was quite humiliating. So it got to the stage, even though I enjoyed the lesson, I had to leave. That's a shame. So what do you feel are the main limitations in schools today? So have you seen any changes from when you were at school that are happening today that you think, oh, that's good, I'm glad that's happening? Unfortunately, not very many. I think teachers unfortunately don't have enough time to learn about the Individual students and of course restricted funding and lack of teacher training are the key limitations. I think there needs to be more autism specific training and to hear the young people's voice as well, not just from professionals because often they don't understand. I always talk about training. Training is key, consistency in training. I've spoken to teachers where their training might have been just one day's training or they've received an A4 page with it written on and says, there you go. That's not training in my eyes because obviously you're studying. And if you were to put some training together, what sort of training do you think that you would like to give out to schools? I think lots about mental health and how it impacts learning and social, emotional well being. And like you said, it needs to be a whole package. So not just, I think just how to differentiate it to suit the individual as well. Because a lot of training is very generic and it doesn't tell you how to support individual children. No. So how are you getting on at the university? I believe you're in your second year now. Yeah, it's going really well. Finding it quite stressful and very tiring, but I'm really enjoying the course so far. Oh, that's good. Are they making any reasonable adjustments for you to make it a little bit easier for you? Well, as I'm a distance learning student, there's not many reasonable adjustments I can make. Okay. But I delivered a training presentation there a couple of weeks ago which went really well. Good, that's good. So we were chatting before, we were having a coffee and we were talking about what you would like to do in the future. And you said that you would like to deliver training, you'd like to be a speaker and you'd also like to set up a school, which is quite exciting, I feel. That's exciting. So if you were to set up a school, I know I'm putting you on the spot here, what type of school would you like to set up? I'd like to set up an alternative provision. It's like a free school specifically for students with autism. Just somewhere where they can feel safe and make friends. Okay, so would that be primary, secondary or right through the board? I'd like to do secondary, secondary. Okay. So I was looking on the Internet about you and I saw a poem that you wrote called I'm sorry and you wrote it a couple of years ago and we were talking about somebody who you thought might have been your best friend. And I said, and I've been down that road where you think someone's your best friend and they're not. And this poem really touched me. So you've asked me if it's okay for me to read it, which I am. So I'm just going to read some of it. So it's a poem by Lauren Smith. I'm sorry I'm sorry I don't always smile I really don't want to run a mile I'm sorry I don't seem to understand you I come from a different planet which happens to be blue I'm sorry I don't always speak the way I initiate conversation makes me look weak I'm sorry I interpret things in a different way I really do try my best every day I'm sorry I act a fool in crowds Everyone is just so overwhelming and loud I'm sorry I come across rude But I think it's better than me being nude I'm sorry if I appear lame but one day I promise you I'll have my claim to fame I'm sorry my challenges and struggles seem stupid that's probably why I haven't found Cupid I'm sorry I sometimes misread the signs I can't understand why you don't want to be mine I'm sorry I don't know Sorry I'm sorry I don't show my emotion it's difficult for me to show my devotion I'm sorry I don't tell you how I feel Sometimes my life just seems too unreal I can't read it all because it's quite a long poem, but I just think that's quite a powerful poem and you've actually written a book which we're going to talk a little bit more about in the second half of the program. Again, if you'd like to be one of the speakers on my show all things Autism, please contact me on www.annakenakennedyonline.com. welcome to Women's radio station. I'm Sarah Louise Ryan and welcome to Love Lessons live on women's radio station. Hello and welcome to future classic women awards with me, Stefania Passamonte on women's radio station. Hello and welcome to Julie Mae is listening. Hi, this is Anna Kennedy and we're at women's radio station supporting women's well being and we're talking all things autism Women, the possibilities are endless. That's what makes us different. Hi, I'm Lauren Mishkon. I'm a birth doula and mum of three and I'm passionate about supporting women to have empowering and positive birth experiences. Please join me for my brand new show From Tummy to Mummy here on Women's Radio Station. 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Women's Radio Station's creating a global network for the empowerment of women and we want you to be involved. Join us on Instagram and Twitter @WomensRadio station. That's WomensRadiostn or Facebook Women's radio station to keep up to date with all our exciting programmes. Hello, this is Anna Kennedy. We're talking all things autism. We're live, we're in Covent Garden and my guest today is Lauren Smith. Before I go over to Lauren, I just want to share with you that we had our Watford Football Club fun day last week. Oh, what a lovely afternoon and morning we had. We had 40 families that came along to experience what it's like to be at Watford Football Club. So they had a tour, they experienced the sensory room. We had Harry the Hornet that came to visit them all. They all went through the tunnel and they had photographs taken and then the club actually put on lunch for both of our groups. And the special moment for me was when we first opened the doors and a family came through and a little boy walked through and he just went, wow. He flopped on the bean bag and just looked out of the window at the pitch. And that made it for me and for Joe, who is one of my charity champions. We received so many positive messages after it. We also had the Autumn Reality Experience Experience bus there where some of the staff went in to experience what it was like to have a sensory overload. And we're going to be doing it again in April. And Dave messenger, who is the community manager there, he was amazed on how well it went. They've never done anything like this before and he was so excited about the outcome. So we're going to be doing it again in April. So if you want to check out what we're up to at the charity, please sign up for our newsletter. It's on www.annakenedyonline.com. so I just read the poem by Lauren and Lauren has also written a book, so we're going to be talking a little bit about that. It's called Tick Tock It's Time to Listen by Lauren Smith. And the book is a composition of powerful, poignant and perceptive poems that depict life on the autism spectrum. So, Lauren, why did you write this book? It looks quite powerful and I've seen some of what the readers have think and they said they broke down in tears. So many autistic people out there who can relate to it. Thank you, Lauren, for your bravery and honesty in your poems. So tell me a little bit about it and where can they buy. Can be bought on Amazon or you can PM me for a signed copy. Okay. Right. Go through my Facebook page. A Different Perspective. My Rainbow Life. Okay. I wrote the book just to try and give hope to other young students with autism and try and explain to teachers how the students feel. Okay, so how did it feel when you held a book in your hand? Because I remember when I've only written one book, but it was just like when I had it in my hand all those months of putting it together and the Photographs. I remember running around in the lounge thinking, oh, it's finally here. So how did you feel when the book was in your hand? Yeah, no, it's brilliant. I worked really hard to get it up together. Okay. It's really good. Okay. So it was April when it was launched, is that right? Yeah. Okay, so that's exciting. So again, just if people are interested to check you out, it's a different perspective. MyRainbowlife on Facebook and Twitter and it's www.differentperspective.info so if people would like to ask you questions, is that okay for them to message you? Do you mind? Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Okay. And if you haven't quite got the address, you can always send the questions over to me, Anna Kennedy online, and we can pass them on. So can we talk a little bit more about the support that you did receive at school and then the support that you would like to have received at school? Yeah. So unfortunately, even though Mum continually fought all the time, I didn't get much support. However, in year nine, after numerous meetings, the outreach team was called in the Vulnerable Learner Service. And that was excellent. I got one to one support and lady come in to support me at lunchtime and break times and in the classrooms. And I was also put on a reduced timetable whilst being home tutored for part of the time. Okay, so someone listening in and their child's just been diagnosed. What's a reduced timetable? How would that basically pan out? It's where the student is allowed to access certain lessons. They choose what part of the day they want to access. Oh, so you can choose more flexible. Okay, all right then. Yeah. So, for example, I didn't do pe, so I stayed in the library and done my own independent study. So why didn't you do pe? Because I know my son didn't like taking his shoes and socks off. He didn't like the sensation of his feet on the ground in the hall. It was everything from getting changed. I couldn't do the tracksuit top up. Okay. Couldn't get clothes off my head. Struggled with team games. I struggled to understand the expectations and rules. Okay, so is there any sport that you like that you found that. Oh, I find it's quite comfortable. I'm okay with this. I liked more independent sports, like running. So the cross country, the swimming. I don't mind tennis. Okay. I can't think of anything worse than cross country. I'm just not very good at it. I remember when I was schooled, I was a bit of a Naughty girl when we started doing cross country. And then I'd look for the shortcuts because it just wasn't my thing. So tell me a little bit more about how should the curriculum be adapted to meet the needs of autistic students. So any ideas that you might have that might help professionals that are listening? I think the use of technology, so things like using laptops in the class, that can really benefit students. Things like writing a lesson structure on the whiteboard beforehand to prepare students and let them know what's going to come and providing alternative activities to group work and presentations. This is something I really dreaded. Okay. It's really humiliating. So what was it about it that made it humiliating for you, if you don't mind me asking? I never used to join in or I was sort of left out by the group. Okay. Okay then. So that was B for secondary. Is that what you're talking about? Secondary students? Yeah. And things like using visual prompts and using the students interest to engage them. So what they want to achieve rather than what teachers want them to get out of it. Anything else? And like I said, maybe allow them extra time to study in the library independently. So spend time away from the class. And again, the reduced timetable, that can really help. And things like homework as well. So maybe set less homework or no homework at all because after the end of a really long exhausting day, the parents may see lots of meltdowns and exhaustion at home. And the teachers don't always see this at school? No. My son used to say to me, why do we have to do homework? It just doesn't show respect to me because I'm tired and I want to be at home and I don't understand why I have to do extra work at home. I used to find that really quite stressful. So I totally get that. Okay. So what do you feel could be done to further promote inclusion? So people are always talking about inclusion and what to you is real inclusion? Well, I think like we said earlier, the autism specific teacher training. So how they can differentiate the needs to the actual student and listening to the student as well because they know themselves best and just understanding that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Okay. I think peer awareness is really important to reduce bullying. Unfortunately. I've heard a lot of stories in mainstream schools where children still getting bullied and there's no support in place. I think auto social skills training or interventions, either one to one or in a group would be really helpful in order to make friends and Things like quiet spaces and a structured lunchtime club incorporating social skills or life skills that can be really beneficial. Yeah, that's why we set up our anti bullying campaign. Give us a break. And it was about lunch times being the most difficult times for a lot of the students at school. So we say, why don't you set up lunchtime clubs where people can go to a club, so the lunchtime is a little bit more structured. And we've been promoting that for quite a few years now. And, you know, we have our anti bullying campaign. Last week, two of our Autumn's Got Talent performers released their rap and it was called Spectrum. Give Us a break. And we were really pleased with the outcome of it. And it's had something like nearly 8,000 views already. And Channel 5 News picked it up as well. So they were interviewed on Channel 5 news and in newspapers. So it's about spreading the word and it's about saying, you know, we say no to bullying, Just end off. And I. You know what, there's a lot of negativity as well on social media. There can be. And it can cause a lot of problems for people, people. And even in something as simple as I'm a big fan of Strictly and I love watching the dancing and. Because if certain people don't go through, like, for example, I think it was Mike from the BBC because he'd got chosen and not another couple, and the amount of abuse that they'd got because they'd been chosen. And I thought, it's a dance show, it's about people making progress. You know, you may not like the people that have gone through, or you may have had other preferentiated people that were dancing, but it's just like, I just don't understand why people have to be so nasty, so rude. And I've spoken to autistic adults as well, that, you know, have had abuse or parents that have had abuse. And what I say is, really, a lot of them are keyboard warriors. Don't engage, don't respond. Just if you feel you have to block them or mute the conversation and just carry on with what you're doing. And I think as long as you can hold your head up high and you are proud of what you do, just carry on. It's about you, it's about what you're doing. So I just don't understand why people have to be nasty to each other. I was reading your TikTok. It's time to listen. There was the poem that jumped out to me and I'm gonna read A little bit of it, if you don't mind. It's called Ghost and this poem represents how difficult it is to be seen and heard by others when you have a hidden disability. I wrote this poem when I was at college to express that I felt constantly alone, particularly when in a group of people, everybody else seemed to be accepted. But I struggle to be understood. So I'm just going to read a little bit of it. I sit in the canteen surrounded by hustle and bustle. We were just talking about lunchtime clubs, weren't we? A chaotic environment. I sit in the corner alone. I am invisible. I sit in the classroom trying to focus, using all of my energy to block out the rude comments and demoralizing language from my peers. I've been told their behaviour is normal banter. I am invisible. I am the shy one, the one who is recognized in the comfort of my home but disregarded in society. It's like I'm a ghost not being seen or heard. I'm disguised by the shadows, fading to a blur. My voice is quiet. I continually repeat what I say in the hope that people will listen and understand. I stand up for my rights, speak my valid opinion. But still I am invisible. I am a ghost. That is so powerful. You've got some really fantastic poems in here, so if you're interested, please check out TikTok. It's time to Listen. Written by Lauren Smith. You can get it on Amazon priced at £5.99. If you've got any other books in the making, Lauren. Well, I'm thinking about writing a second book. Wow. That would be documenting more of my experiences of education. Okay, so have you started it or. It's like. It's just a thought at the moment. I've started it and haven't gotten too far with my degree. Okay. Yeah. Alright, well that's exciting. So I'll be looking forward to that. So again, if you want to be one of the speakers you'd like to be a guest, please contact me on www.annakenakenadyonline.com or you can message me on Twitter Anna Kennedy 1 welcome to the Women's radio station Supporting women's well being. Women's Radio station is all about diversity from opinions, career, ethnicity, education and most importantly, women's well being. We aim to celebrate the individuality of every woman everywhere, providing opportunities and the platform for your voice. Visit our website womensradiostation.com for more information. I'm Tamina Zaman, founder of Empower and Enrich. When it comes to money? Do you clam up or get confused? Do you wish you could save more money or are you hoping you have enough for retirement? You are not alone. 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For more information on how you can sponsor a show, go to womensradiostation.com women's radio station supporting women's well being hello, this is Anna Kennedy. We're talking all things autism. We're live and we're in Covent Garden and my guest today is Lauren Smith. Yesterday I Spoke spoke on BBC Radio 5 live and it was about the interview between Christine McGuinness and her husband, Paddy McGuinness. And there at the weekend were trying to take their three children, twins who were on the autism spectrum, and then their three year old little girl, to a play center and they had a blue badge and they were parking in one of the disabled parking bays, which when you've got children on the spectrum or an adult on the spectrum, you can get these blue badges, even though sometimes it's a bit of a struggle to get one. So they parked their car and then they were approached by someone saying, your children don't look disabled, you don't look disabled, you shouldn't be parked in that space. And obviously that was a little bit stressful. And then this person was not giving in. So Paddy tried to explain to him that they had autism. It didn't make any difference whatsoever. So Christine had to obviously take her three children away. Now this has happened to me before as well, and I've spoken, spoke to so many parents because when I posted it on social media, the amount of parents and autistic adults that shared that they'd been approached or they'd been abused or shouted at because they'd used a disabled badge parking space, and for me, that is really sad. And it proves that we still have got a long way to go with raising awareness and acceptance because it's an invisible disability. It happened to me in Windsor. There was a gentleman because I was with Angelo. I had a badge for him because he's obviously quite profoundly affected and he finds it difficult moving around because of his sensory processing difficulties. And he said he shouldn't be parked in that space, blah, blah, blah, blah. And he actually squared up to me and I just went up to him and said, my son has autism. Then Angelo started doing a little bit of rocking and squealing. He could clearly see that he was autistic. And then he stepped back and he did hold his hands up and said, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, but you shouldn't have done that in the first place. It's like, there's the badge, it's for easily to see. Have you had any experiences like that, Lauren? We're just in the process of applying for a blue badge for me, so haven't had any experiences yet. Okay, well, I hope you don't because they're not very pleasant. And hopefully by raising awareness with Paddy and Christine and people sharing, you know, their thoughts and what's happened to them, that hopefully people will just step back and think that person may have autism. They may have several points palsy, they may have other disability that's invisible. So please, please, if you're listening in, please don't make it more stressful for the family. So, Lauren, tell me a little bit about what you feel could make the transition process from primary to secondary a little bit easier. Because I have spoken to parents where it's gone pretty well in primary. Not too bad because the class sizes are fairly small in some, and obviously some class sizes are bigger, but then they don't have to move from classroom to classroom as they do in secondary. So what do you think would make the transition process a little bit easier? I think the main thing is to visit the secondary school as many times as possible in advance and to meet all of the teachers, especially any key staff. So learning support assistants maybe have a meeting with the teachers as well, to build a rapport with them so that it's a familiar face. And also you could have in fill sessions to see what the school day is about and what it involves and maybe create a booklet, a transition booklet with photographs and maps to show in different buildings and any quiet spaces that they can go to. And I think also a mentoring system needs to be in place from day one, so someone that they can go to if they've got any concerns and maybe create a passport of information about themselves to give to their teachers and peers. Yeah, I've just been working with Autism Anglia because they've created a passport and our charity funded it and I'm going to be getting a few copies and I'd like one for Patrick and one for Angelo. My sons, and I think they're just really invaluable tools. So that obviously in difficulties that if you're unable to speak or you're too stressed that you can enjoy your passport with all the information on there about you. And I just think it's like really, really valuable. Yeah, well, I created a presentation when I was at school to my peers to explain what I found difficult and how they could help. Okay. And the response was really supportive. Oh, that's good. So what sort of response did you get? Can you remember? Well, they're all talking to me and just sort of making me feel more comfortable. Oh, that's good. Yeah. So there's anything else you think that might be helpful that worked for you? I think they're the key things. Okay. Okay. So can I just ask, when exam time came, how was that for you? Because that can be quite stressful. Did they give you extra time? Did they give you any? Did they make any reasonable adjustments that may help you. Well, at the age of 14, so I was in beginning of year 10, I was withdrawn from mainstream school. I went to an alternative provision and I got one to one support. So that was really good. Okay. So the exams, I sort of flown through the exams. Oh, wow. And I got extra time, a separate room and rest breaks. Okay, that was really good. So what exams did you take? I got six GCSEs, obviously. English, maths, science, ICT, food technology and art. Okay. And food, technology and art. I don't think I would have been able to achieve in mainstream school. Okay. It was very challenging. Oh, well done. So how were you when you were waiting for the results? Were you anxious? Quite nervous, yeah. So you were excited when you got them? Yeah. Oh, that's good. Your mum was really proud of you. Yeah, Mum and dad. So can you tell me a little bit about. So if you were going to give some advice to parents of children that just been diagnosed on the spectrum, or even an autistic adult that's just recently been diagnosed? I've spoken to so many adults have been diagnosed at 38, 40, 45, like later in life. Is there any advice that you might like to give that helped you just be yourself, really, and find out as much information about the condition as you can. Okay. How you can support yourself. Is there any books that you've read about autism that you found that were really useful and explained it really well? Because when your child's first diagnosed on the spectrum, you don't want to read something that's a little bit too heavy, if you know what I mean. Just something that's easy reading because obviously you've got to get your head around so many different things. So is there any books that you might like to recommend that you read? The Girl with the Curly Hair, she's based in London. Okay. She does lots of training workshops. Yeah, she came to our autism expo. She's a very talented young woman. Yeah. I also do voluntary work for her. I strongly recommend some of her books. Oh, yeah. I was going to ask you about the social group that you've set up. So what's that all about? Well, I've set up monthly activities for young people with autism, sort of teenagers and young adults. We go on different day trips. Okay, and how's that? We've got a trip to Longleat coming up in the Christmas market. Okay, well, that's good stuff. So is there a lot of planning for that for when you're going on day trips and thinking about things to do as well, because I know that when we're in the charity and I'm always thinking about stuff that I might like to do within the charity, thinking out the box. Let's do something a little bit different. Yeah. I think you've always got to be forward thinking, planning in advance, but it's not as difficult as I thought it would be. Okay. Not yet, anyway. So how many young people do you have in the group? Well, it varies from the day trips, so we usually get about 9 to 10 so far. Okay. I'm hoping to expand it and I'm in the process of trying to get some funds in for it. Yeah, that's another thing. Fund is another difficult thing, isn't it? You've got to think, again, out the box. How am I going to get some money to get this together? And what sort of age range are you looking at that you do the club for? Well, I've got young people's group, so early 20s at the minute. I'm also hoping to expand to set up a parent group. Okay. And one for teenagers at school. Okay, that sounds good. All good stuff. So again, I'm looking at your TikTok. It's time to listen. If you're interested, please check it out. It's written by Lauren and illustrated by Sam Potter. Who's Sam? Is that somebody who you met or somebody you asked to do some designs for you? Yeah, he's one of my friends from college. He has autism and he does amazing graphic design. Can you describe to me the picture on the front? So it's a young woman over the. A grandfather. Looks like a grandfather clock with a broken heart. As the. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just trying to pick up the pieces, really, and put them back together. Okay. People are listening. It's very powerful. So there's something in here that I said, what's your favorite? And you said, it's called meet me halfway. Yeah. And this poem's based on a judgmental comment that was made to you in a specialist support instructor. By a specialist support instructor. Whoa, what? By specialist support instructor at college insisting that I meet her halfway, especially when under tremendous pressure, led to me feeling disheartened and despondent. The comment actually made me cry. And Mum was away at the time. Okay. So I rang Mum in tears after the support instructor said that you should meet me halfway. And Mum said, just write all your feelings down. Okay. And that was the inspiration for the poem. It's quite long, so I'm going to read a little bit of it. So it's you don't understand the depths of my emotion when you push me into doing things, things I feel uncomfortable with. You don't truly understand the intensity of the anxiety I experience. So don't say that I don't meet you halfway. To walk down the street with bustling crowds and flashing lights, to sit in a class full of commotion and chaos, to sit in the canteen desperate for friendship. A sense of belonging causes me immense anxiety and makes me urge to escape. At college, I have to ask my personality, battle my constant fears and try to act up to any expectations you set. And you have the audacity to say I don't meet you halfway. I might be lucky. I have all that I need. But when my anxiety and negative self talk overflows, I crumble. Obviously, I'm lucky. Autism is a gift, a treasure, something to be proud of. But I'm struggling immensely with almost everything that you take for granted that's quite powerful. So again, if you're interested, the book is called Tick Tock It's Time to Listen, written by Lauren Smith and illustrated by her friend Sam Potter. One other one of the readers said that your poems made me think about things from a young person's perspective when it comes to education and the impact decisions and experiences have on a person. So again, available on Amazon 5.99. Towards the end of the week, we've been working towards the Autism Hero Awards and we have 36 finalists that are going to be traveling down from all over the country to the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and the winners will be announced on the night. We have the special recognition ward and we also have one of my AKO charity volunteers of the ward. The actual judges had such a difficult time to choose the finalist for each category and yeah, it's going to be such a lovely evening. Daniel is going to be singing one of my ambassadors from Ireland. He's going to be singing a song I've just heard. He's going to be singing the Prayer, which is a song I love. And then we're going to have Pineapple Performing Arts, who is a supporter of our charity. Six young women are going to be dancing for us and opening up the show. So we will be sharing who is the winners at the weekend or probably on Monday. So again, if you want to check out what happened, look at our charity website. Anna Kennedy Online welcome to Women's Radio Station. I'm Sarah Louise Ryan and welcome to Love Lessons live on Women's Radio Station. Hello and welcome to future Classic Women Awards with me, Stefania Passamonte. On Women's Radio Station. Hello and welcome to Julie Mae is listening. Hi, this is Anna Kennedy and we're at Women's Radio Station supporting women's well being and we're talking all things autism women. The possibilities are endless. That's what makes us different. Hi, I'm Lauren Mishkon. I'm a birth doula and mum of three and I'm passionate about supporting women to have empowering and positive birth experiences. Please join me for my brand new show From Tummy to Mummy here on Women's Radio Station. Every week I'll be here with an expert guest talking about women's reproductive health, everything, fertility, pregnancy, birth and baby related right through to the menopause and beyond. Please join us for an informative and fun hour. Hello, my name is Ingrid Marsh on Women's Radio Station and coming soon is the Radical Wellbeing show to help support women's well being. Each show I share the airwaves with ordinary women like me and you doing extraordinary things. Women who've overcome huge obstacles in their lives, who are now here with me to empower you. On the Radical Wellbeing show you'll be inspired to kick away the roadblocks and live your life to the fullest. If you're ready to get radical about your well being, then this is the show for you. Hi, I'm Hazel Butterfield, a blogger, book lover and mental health advocate and you can listen to my show get booked here at Women's Radio station daily at 5am and 5pm throughout my shows we'll talk about the books I've read, new releases, chapter authors, publishers and book enthusiasts, all with a theme and aim of supporting women's emotional well being. If you have a book to tell us about, get in touch@presentersomensradiostation.com join me on my show and share my love of books and writing. Do you want to be a doula? Would you like to support families through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period? Do you have quality of compassion, listening, caring and empowering? At Nurturing Birth we offer approved doula training courses across the UK which are facilitated by an award winning doula. Here you will learn more about the support you can offer, explore the doula role and think about how to set up your business. No need for previous qualifications. Find out more@nurturingbirth.co.uk. You're listening to Women's Radio station supporting women's well being. Women's Radio Station's creating a global network for the empowerment of women and we want you to be involved. Join us on Instagram and Twitter. Womensradio station. That's womensradiostn or Facebook women's radio station, to keep up to date with all our exciting programmes. Hello, this is Anna Kennedy. We're talking all things autism. We're live, we're in Covent Garden and we're in the last quarter of our show. One of my guests a few weeks ago was Melanie Leahy and she is trying to find out why her son died after being a week in hospital. Now, she needs a hundred thousand signatures and she needs about another 15,000 and she's got 12 hours to go, so if you can help her and you're listening in, please go to Melanie Leahy on Twitter or you can see it on our charity website as well. Melanie's story about her son. Please sign the petition. She's nearly there at a hundred thousand. She was outside the Houses of Parliament trying to get more signatures yesterday. Please, please, please sign the petition. She wants to find out why her son died after only being a week in hospital. So. Oh, yes. What I wanted to say as well is, while it's just come to my mind is Autumn's Got Talent is now. We've booked the theatre for June, so if you're interested and you might like to perform for us, so. And showcase us your talents. So whether you're a singer, whether you're a dancer, whether you play a percussion instrument, whether you tell jokes, whether you're a magician, whatever it is that you excel at, please send in your auditions to us via YouTube or you can send us them via MP3 or however you want to send it to us, please check out the charity website or email Lisa. Robbins R O B I N S at Anna Kennedy Online.com and we would love to see your talent. So we are going to be doing something with Chaps, which is a charity and patron for in Cheshire, so that's going to be happening in April. I'm also going to be doing something with Autism Anglia, showcasing talent that's going to be happening in February. February and then we're going back to St Ives as well next year because it's been so popular there. So we're going to be going there in September. I love St Ives, it's such a beautiful place. So, Lauren, thank you once again for coming all the way from Somerset to come and see me. It's lovely to chat to you. If somebody's interested in doing the degree that you're doing, can you tell us a little bit about it in More detail and how. How would they go about in. And just what's involved? What sort of subjects? What are we doing here? Well, it's the first time they've run it online. Oh, is it? Yeah. So it's all distance learning. So all the material comes through to you. Okay. Says, no expectations, go on campus. Okay. And there's no exams and there's no work placement. So that's why it really suits my needs. Right. Okay. We study four modules per term, and next year I'm doing my dissertation. So that would be four modules plus dissertation. Okay. So is there like a time limit for you to do each piece of work or is it. Do you do it at your own pace? Are they flexible? Fairly flexible, yeah. You can do it at your own pace. So I set up my own timetable and routine, but obviously you still got to stick to deadlines. Yeah. So how do you motivate yourself? Because obviously when people go to lessons, they're there, and I suppose there's a little bit of motivation involved, but because you've got to do it yourself. Are you motivated all the time to do it, or is it like certain times because you're at home, you think, oh, I don't think I'll do it today. Not motivated all the time. That is quite difficult. Last year I found it a lot harder to motivate myself, but this year, because I know what to expect and I've got quite regimented times to complete work because obviously I'm very passionate about the subject and what I want to do in the future, it's really helpful. Okay. And is it expensive, the course, or can you get a grant or how does it work? Well, I've got a student loan to complete the course, so all the students have loans. Oh, right. Okay, then. And have you made contact with any of the other students that might be doing it that you might, like, make a contact over social media or via email? I'm in contact with a couple of students. Okay. And like I say, I visited the uni a couple of weeks ago to deliver a talk that was really well and everyone in the class was really nice. Oh, that's good. Oh, well. And how long have you got to go? Just a year. So another year to go and then you'll get your qualification. And then what's going to happen? What do you think will happen and what would you like to happen? Well, I'm aiming to set up my own autism awareness business. Okay. So setting up lots of social activities for young people and delivering training to school professionals. Oh, wow. Well, you'll have to contact us at the charity. Let me know when you're qualified and see if I can help you out and because obviously I've got a lot of contacts on social media and I can share the information out. So I'm sure that people would be interested in what you've got to offer. So that's exciting stuff. So obviously you're busy and there's lots going on. What do you do to relax? How? Because we're about women here and we're about supporting women's well being. So for me, I like doing Zumba. Not that I always get to do it. I like dancing, I like walking. I'm into Netflix at the minute. Didn't think I would be, but I am. So what do you like to do? I recently joined up at the gym. Oh, did you? So that's really helping my mental health. Okay. So what sort of things do you do at the gym? I do swimming, I really enjoy. And I do Zumba as well. Yeah, I love Zumba. It is, yeah. Anything else? I like to do a lot of writing. Okay. I listen to lots of music and spend a lot of time scrolling through social media just to help relax and wind down. What type of music you're into? I listen to everything. Quite a variety. So an eclectic taste you have. Yeah. My son Patrick very much likes Eminem, which I'm sick of hearing, but I've been hearing it for years and years and I'm just thinking, let's move on. But, you know, he's starting to move on to other things now, so. Which is great. And he's been to a couple of concerts. He found them a bit overwhelming at first, but because he was so into the group that he was listening to, he managed to do it. Yeah, no, that's good. So I wanted to talk to you about. You came from Somerset here and obviously traveling. So how. How did you sort of break down travelling? So obviously traveling on your own. Does your mum worry? Because you come in from Somerset, you're coming all the way to London, the big capital. So how have you broken that down to be able to manage to travel on your own? I'm not really sure. I mean, I'm still not very independent at home. I'm still quite reliant on mum. Okay. But in London I feel safer because there's a lot more people. Yeah. So I feel a lot more confident. Okay. So as if when I'm here in London, I feel like I'm a different person. Really. Oh, okay. I wouldn't have expected you to say that, actually, because I thought was. Because it's quite busy. Yeah, a lot of people say that. Yeah. No, it's strange. I feel quite relaxed and at ease here. So we've been to London. What's your favorite place in London? Everywhere, really. Okay. We've been to places like the Natural History Museum, science museum, all those type of museums. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I like coming to the theatre. So I've seen Matilda. I haven't seen that. Yeah. Mary Poppins is one that I would like to see. That is something I really love to see. Yeah. So again, if people are interested and they'd like to buy your book, and I would definitely recommend that they do. It's called Tick Tock. It's Time to Listen. Written by Lauren Smith, illustrated by Sam Potter. And you can get it from Amazon if you'd like to see what Lauren is up to. She has a different perspective. My Rainbow Life on Facebook and on Twitter www.a different perspective.info so what sort of things do you put on your Facebook page? So what type of things do you share? Well, I write blogs. I share them. Okay. And obviously I'm creating a portfolio of all the autism projects I'm doing. Okay, so how many projects? Talk to me a little bit about some of the projects that you're doing. Yeah. Well, I'm setting up my second autism networking event. Okay. That's going to be in April. And what's that all about? Well, just getting people together, really. So we've got a combination of stalls, guest speakers, different activities. Is that in Somerset? Yeah, Western Super Mare. Okay. Yeah. Any other projects you'd like to share that people might be interested in? My second book, and obviously the social group, I'm looking for young people to come along and join in. Okay. And what's the group called? It's all going to come under a different perspective. Okay. And they're based in. In Western Super Mare. Okay. So if they were interested, they would need to obviously have a diagnosis primarily of autism, not specifically diagnosis. Some of them aren't diagnosed. Okay. I just want to open it up and be flexible to try and support as many people as I can. Okay. And the age range to start off with. So if someone has a son or a daughter and they might like to come, how old would they have to be to start it off? Well, I've got one who's 14, but then they go up to about 27. Quite a wide range at the minute. Okay, well, that's great stuff. So what's the provision, like, for adults where you live in Somerset. I think it's quite poor in North Somerset, unfortunately. Okay. I think something like I'm setting up is really needed. Okay. And I think there really is a lack of support in schools and colleges. There most definitely is. That's why in Uxbridge, we had to set up something for my son Angelo, because obviously that was quite a few years ago because of a gentleman that we were working with, and his son was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and he had a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. So he was in a mental health unit. And that's why we decided we needed to set up a vocational college. So there's about 60 students that travel in from 13 different local authorities. So some of them are doing a degree, some of them are doing work experience, some of them are catching up with GCSEs that they didn't go through or a level. So whatever stage that they are at, we try to support them. I'm really sad to say that one of our very first students died. He had a heart attack at 59 years old. He used to live with his mum all his life, and then his mum died about three or four years ago and she just really didn't get over it. He was so sad about it. So I'm really sad to say. But he was a lovely gentleman and I remember him really well. Peter was one of our first students. So we're coming to the end of our interview. It's been lovely having you here and chatting about all the things that you are doing, all the things that you would like to do, and I love your TikTok. It's time to listen. It's such a lovely book. So what's the title of your book for the second one? Have we got a title yet? Haven't thought about it yet. Okay. I'm only in the starting stages. Okay. All right, then. But keep us posted because I'll share that for you. Yeah, thank you. Sienna Castellon, one of my ambassadors, she's written a book, so we will be sharing some information on that a bit later on. So if you'd like to be one of the speakers on the station, please contact me on www.annakenakennedyonline.com. i'm on social media, Ana Kennedy1, which is on Twitter, Anna Kennedy online on Facebook. Anakenedyo be on Instagram. And just to remind everybody, where can they find you on Twitter and Facebook? Just to. You can find me at a different perspective. My rainbow Life social media. Okay. And that's both Twitter and Facebook. Yeah. Okay. So I just want to say thank you. Have a safe journey. You're not going back till 6 o' clock so you've got some time to spend in London. Have a little walk around. Yeah, that's good. And Covent Garden is a great place to explore and they've got some fantastic stalls here and there's a few shops that I like to pop into when I'm around here as well. So not that I get much time to be on my own. I'm just preparing myself now for Sky News interview that's going to be happening very soon. So I'd just like to wish everyone all the best and thank you. 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