Hi I'm Anne, Andrews Mum and I'm passionate about making a difference using my experiences as a professional and parent.

In 1992 after moving to Singapore, my 2 year old son was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome – a genetic condition which is on the Autistic Spectrum. Having been a teacher since 1981 I now found myself the parent of a child with learning difficulties and also sensory problems all of which would have implications for his behaviour, development and growth.

At the time there was no real knowledge about Fragile X in Singapore, the  net was in it's infancy and my own international research journey had only just begun.

I flew in an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) trainer for Autism from the USA and I contacted experts in the UK, the USA and Australia, opening up lines of support, medical expertise and general enquiry that I still maintain today. In between sessions I updated my son’s programme by fax, phone and e mail. 

We both evolved.

Other parents soon followed. I formed support groups, ran 1:1 clinics and was instrumental in promoting an atmosphere where we all shared and developed our knowledge and resources. For 8 years I helped with the recognition of difference, disability and growth of services in Singapore.

I ran ABA intervention programmes for local families with Autistic children, trained in PECS and TEACCH 

I worked at the British Council and Tanglin Trust International School as a SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator). 

At the Julia Gabriel School of Speech and Drama I worked with special needs children and ordinary students helping to bridge those 2 worlds.

At the National University of Singapore I worked with Psychology Students; the work I did became part the requirement for the degree course.

I also worked with International Baccalaureate Students at the United World College of South East Asia where I trained them as volunteers to support families in Singapore.

So much of the Autism training I did in Malaysia and Singapore is still continued today via my on-line clinic and support systems.

In 2000 I moved to Cape Town in South Africa and set up my own education consultancy. I worked with the Education Department of the Western Cape, 3 Universities and The International School of Cape Town. Overall I trained staff and worked with students at 8 different campuses. 

I returned to the UK in 2002 and continued working with children and adults with all types of difficulties. My last post was in a special school where I was Head of Autism, Head of Interventions and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. I worked 1:1, with small groups, whole classes and trained staff. I worked with the families of the students in their homes as well as with them in school. I advised local schools and did specialist work with some the most challenging students in the area. 

My son is now 30 years old, active and happy. He is in semi-supported living. I have built a team around him called “The A Team”. This team is multi-disciplinary, creative and committed. They, like me, work hard to make a difference. I want to share our unique experiences and knowledge to continue helping other children, parents and people all over the UK.

Especially now in the time of COVID this is what Andrews World is all about.

Anne Donohoe

BA Hons Art and English – University of London

Post Graduate Certificate in Education – Nottingham University

BA Hons & Post Graduate Degree in Psychology – Open University

Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language – University of Cambridge

Master’s Degree in Education, Special and Inclusive Education – University of Sheffield

Member of:

The British Psychological Society – graduate member

The Fragile X Society UK

The National Autistic Society UK

National Association of Special Educational Needs

Sensory Integration Education