In this episode to mark Autism Acceptance Week 2025, Ali and Dr Venessa Swaby discuss Venessa's experiences as a mother to autistic children, her experiences in supporting families of autistic children and what she puts in place for her various events to make them fully inclusive and supportive, how to support your autistic child, the differences in cultural attitude towards autistic children from a parent's perspective, how to support your child with acceptance of their differences, prepare them for outings and events plus also how important it is to care for yourself and create a safe space at home for you and your children.

Useful links as referred to in the Podcast:
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MEET ALI'S SPECIAL GUEST - DR VENESSA SWABY
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR OF A2NDVOICE CIC AND AUTISM THRIVE SERVICES (ATS)

Venessa is an Autism Consultant, Autistic Public Speaker and Campaigner, Mentor, Author, Event Planner, Content Developer and Trainer. She is also an Advocate of autistic people particularly those from the Black African, Black Caribbean, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Distinguished Services Supporting Autistic People and Families based in London Representing A2ndVoice in 2024 by by AUGP-USA (American University for Global Peace – USA).

She has lived experience of culture and ethnicity and breaking down stigma across all sectors and has written for a great many publications including Autism Eye and SEN Magazine and featured in national newspapers. She has appeared in radio interviews and her numerous local, national and international speaking engagements include New Scotland Yard, the National Autistic Society, PDA Society, AT Autism, NHS England, Restraint Reduction Network, The Autism Show (in plural!) and also Local Council events, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Defence.

Venessa is the mother of three young adults between the ages of 19 – 24 years old, her middle child was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in 2008 and she realised that there was a lack of understanding, myths and taboo around ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) within society. Her youngest child has a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD and Benign Rolandic Epilepsy (between January 2017 and March 2018) while her oldest child was diagnosed with moderate language difficulties in April 2017.

Venessa campaigns widely and tirelessly and has over 15 years of work experience in the social impact sector, she holds a MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) Standard Certification. She shares her personal and professional experiences, as well as the stories of others, to inspire and educate people from different backgrounds and cultures. Her mission is to create awareness, break stigma, and empower communities around these conditions, especially among diverse and marginalized groups.