We are so excited to host the autism cultural experience fayre… our last major fayre took place in 2016, 2017, 2018 and then there was lockdown. This is my story, my journey. A community event no fluffy stuff, so many others who can’t attend the day! But thank you still, more updates of the workshops and who be attending. The yesteryears of many events held in UK. The Wandsworth Autism Cultural Experience Fayre at Tooting Leisure Centre holds a special place for me. It wasn’t the first space we used, but it became a key location where A2ndVoice hosted many events. Then came Covid and lockdown. Decided going online was the best thing, some thought I was mad but then it highlighted the challenges of what was no surprise. The lack of participation from the Autistic & Disability ‘BAME’ Community with the help from Maureen Banda & Hannah Otoo we hosted 10 webinars on Inpatient Prevention and Admission in the Black African/Caribbean and Dual Heritage Community 0 -25 years old funded by NHS England there after A2ndvoice hosting over 170 webinars, reaching autistic people, parents and organisations across the UK and beyond. That’s when we both truly saw the gap. 2025 will mark 13 years since A2ndVoice was founded. But it all really began in April 2008, when my son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. That moment changed my life. There are countless people to thank. Sadly, my phone was stolen earlier this year, and with it, I lost many photos and videos I hadn’t backed up. Still, I’m grateful to those who continue to see my vision…. Autism within the Black and Dual Heritage Community has many stories but this is my journey to bring some of those families and autistic people together who have never attended The Autism Shows, The TES SEN Shows and many other events that host autism specific events whatever the reason. SEND provisions do miss important factors that I experienced over the years with my adult children and myself! My son is 22 years old… and still witnessing the failures of poor services or organisation thinking they can speak for all! Autism don’t stop at 16 years old and even in 2025 we still hearing the same findings on autism and the black and dual heritage communities. As one parent told me! They want action no talk, talk, talk…. This is my story… #DrVenessaSwaby @AutismEye @Widgit_Software @WandsworthMayor @tootingnewsie @TootingPaul @wtowandsworth @balhamnewsie #autism #culture #ethnicity #music #SEND

Autism Spanish Parent Carers Support Group UK with Jessica Sota Bosoko us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi… AUTISM SPANISH SUPPORT GROUP UK for Parent Carers facilitated by Jessica Sota Bosoko Friday 7th March 10 - 11am An online support group for Spanish families caring for their autistic ADHD children and young people in the UK. Jessica is an Afro-Spanish autistic speaker, mother of three neurodivergent children, and an autism advocate for with an Afrocentric perspective and author. She is passionate about learning about autism and cultural differences. She works at Mencap, supporting families with children who have developmental delays and exhibit challenging behaviours. She volunteers at Afrikindness in their program to assist Afro-descendant and other ethnic minority families in learning about autism and also volunteers at the Croydon Autism Partnership Board. #AfroSpanish #Spanish