Thatcham mum nominated for positive role model award at The National Diversity Awards 2021

A THATCHAM mother has been nominated for an award to recognise her work and passion for raising awareness about autism, writes Emma Cole.

Thirty-one-year-old single mother Lisa Monaghan, whose 13-year-old son Ryan has autism, has been nominated for the Positive Role Model (Disability) Award at The National Diversity Awards 2021 for her passion for raising awareness about autism, supporting other parents and campaigning for a more inclusive school system for autistic children.

The awards, which are in association with ITV News, celebrate and recognise the achievements of grass-root communities and role models who show outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Lisa said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for this award and I feel honoured to be included in a list with people who have done such amazing things.

“Anyone who is trying to raise awareness about autism is a winner in my eyes.”

Lisa runs multiple online support groups for Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) parents, as well as mental health and positivity groups.

As a full time carer to Ryan, who is now home-schooled due to the anxiety and traumas he suffered from his experiences in school, Lisa is passionate about giving parents a voice about the challenges their autistic children face in educational settings as well as giving them hope.

Lisa explained: “No parent should have to go into debt to fight for their child’s education, no parent should feel stressed for trying to make sure their education and health care plan is filled, and no parent should be made to feel like they are the problem.

“I will not stop fighting for more help and support and for a better understanding about autism.”

Voting for the awards closes on June 4 and a shortlist will be announced on July 14, with the winner expected to be announced in February 2022.

You can vote for Lisa by visiting the National Diversity Awards website - https://nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate/35453/