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arts
Autistic performers own the stage

People with autism are often seen as uncommunicative but a global event shows many are
engaging and highly talented performers. As Autism’s Got Talent celebrates a decade of shows,
Anna Kennedy and Lisa Robins look at what the events achieve

ur 10-year birthday celebration of want all those involved to have fun, do
Autism’s Got Talent with what they love, make friends and be
Ooutstanding performers surpassed themselves, and have one night that is all
all my expectations, writes Anna Kennedy. about them.
We are still on a high and we have This was a great opportunity for 16
received so many messages of hope from autistic individuals who stepped up on
the performers and their families, as well stage and showed the audience what they
as messages from the audience. could do.
Autism’s Got Talent will always hold a These included wonderfully talented
special place in my heart, and I cannot singers Jessi Kay, Joseph Pass, Holly
wait to see the talent that 2022 will bring Allison, Samuel Turner, T’mya Fyffe, Sky
from across the UK and overseas. Boswell, Louisa Futcher, Ben Maille and
Our legendary Autism’s Got Talent Kieron Lee.
event, at the Mermaid Theatre in London, There were also amazing drummer Scott Edgar, a mimic from the US, flanked by
showcased amazingly talented Joshua Scott-Crowley, guitarists Daniel compere Phil Barnett and founder Anna Kennedy
performances by autistic adults and Carson and Tom Wakely, a band from
children from across the world. Essex Caged Arts, expressive and event once again totally blew that out of
Each of the performers flies the flag for passionate dancer Aston Avery, powerful the water.
autism and shows what people with poet James Scullion, and Scott Edgar, a This whole show is a concept based
autism can do and then some. mimic who came all the way from the US. solely on inclusion and there needs to be
We aim as a charity to continue to build So often society can view these people more events like this.
Autism’s Got Talent year by year and we as difficult and uncommunicative, but this Autism’s Got Talent now has a
roadshow and has travelled to St Ives,
Essex, the North East and Liverpool. This
year, it will be going to Cheshire.

Show off your talent in 2022
Applications for Autism’s Got Talent 2022
are now open. Please send in your
auditions and demonstrate your talent.
Shortlisted entries will take part in the
live show.
Curtain call: Apply for Autism’s Got Talent 2022 at
performers included https://www.annakennedyonline.com/
singers, musicians autisms-got-talent. The closing date for
dancers and a poet entries is on 30 April 2022. n

Global event offers springboard to creative opportunities

utism’s Got Talent is a worldwide charity and autism event. Every year, Recognising the uniqueness of autistic
event that creates a platform to this star-studded event showcases individuals, Anna Kennedy OBE, who
Ashowcase the variety of talent talented performances by adults and has two sons on the autism spectrum,
within the autism community, writes children with autism. has used the event, with a team of
Lisa Robins. The event has formed a springboard volunteers, to find ways of recognising
Its aim was simple – to break into new opportunities for many of their ability and creating platforms for
preconceptions in society and replace the acts. them to excel.
negative ideas with hope, fun, laughter,
It also gives the audience a rare
Terry Scott; Tally Nothey and inclusion. emotion of hope and belonging
Autism’s Got Talent, which started in
as they become part of a unique
2012, is growing in popularity and has
network and understand that anything
is possible.
firmly cemented its status as a leading
www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 35 No 2 | Winter 2022 27