Connections

In 2003 I was awarded the Onians Fellowship from the Royal Society of Arts. The Fellowship was set up in 2000 in memory of the RSA's late Chairman, Dick Onians, and provides a paid opportunity for someone to take time out to develop an innovative idea for the benefit of wider society. My idea was to compose and produce a double CD of music and accompanying booklet for children and young people across the autistic spectrum and I was awarded thirty thousand pounds to carry this idea through into production.

Entitled Connections, the CDs consist of original songs, stories and games that help children to develop key skills and were created in response to what I feel is a dire lack of resources to aid the education and stimulation of children with autism. I’ve aimed to produce high-quality audio material in a professional, durable, yet affordable package.

I worked with the staff and pupils of a specialist school, who were incredibly generous with their time and expertise. I’m very proud of the finished product, and its success is due in part to the fact that I took the time to do thorough research and talk to everyone I could: psychologists, teachers, parents, key health workers, and, of course the National Autistic Society.

Visit the Connections website here.