Dr. Venessa Swaby’s journey is a testament to resilience, empathy, and transformative action. As a mother, advocate, and honorary doctor, she has dedicated her life to supporting autistic individuals and their families, particularly within Black and Asian communities where awareness and resources are often limited. Her story inspires change, highlighting the power of community, commitment, and creating solutions rather than just identifying problems.
Q&A:
Q: Dr. Venessa, can you share the vision and mission behind your work?
A: Autism became a personal journey for me when my middle child, Nathaniel, was diagnosed with autistic ADHD in 2008. At that time, I realized there was minimal support in the UK, especially for Black and Asian families. I started A Second Voice as a safe space for mothers, which gradually expanded to include adults on the spectrum. My mission is not just awareness; it’s about creating solutions, making reasonable adjustments, and supporting individuals throughout their journey. Autism cannot be “cured,” but we can ensure people are empowered and connected to the right support.
Q: How do you currently create awareness about your initiatives?
A: While I have a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, my focus has always been grassroots work. I aim to reach professionals, corporates, and diverse communities to spread awareness effectively. Documenting and sharing stories visually has been helpful, but I’m looking to better organize my digital presence and rebrand for consistency. This ensures my work reaches those who need it most without losing focus or authenticity.
Q: What are your aspirations for 2026?
A: For 2026, I’m working on structuring A Second Voice for sustainability. This includes introducing membership tiers, streamlining online and in-person sessions, and delegating operational responsibilities. My goal is to create a self-sustaining system so I can focus on strategy and impact while ensuring quality support for families and individuals.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your work?
A: One challenge is maintaining ownership of my work while others replicate it without acknowledgment. I also face hurdles in accessibility—being too available sometimes limits my ability to focus on high-impact tasks. I’m working on building a consistent, trained team and leveraging legal protections to safeguard my work.
Q: Any motivational message for our readers?
A: My message is simple: be committed and connected. Empowerment comes from genuine involvement and persistence. If you are dedicated to creating real change, you can make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
“Autism cannot be fixed, but people can be empowered. Commitment and connection are the keys to meaningful change.” – Dr. Venessa Swaby
Connect with Dr. Venessa Swaby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venessaswaby/
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