Donington woman who has been working for 30 years for people with autism is honoured to receive an MBE

A Donington woman who has been working for more than 30 years for people with autism has been awarded an MBE.

Janet Corcoran has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for the work she has undertaken locally and nationally to make a difference to the lives of people with autism and their families

After being inspired to get involved in the Lincolnshire Autism Society in the late 1980s after her son Ross was diagnosed, Janet has helped to man a helpline, took on the role of school governor along with chairing a national education committee.

News that she was to become a Member of British Empire shocked Janet so much that she had deleted the initial email.

Janet, who is waiting to find out if she will receive the honour in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, said: “I thought the first email I received was a hoax so I deleted it but then thought I had better have another look but I still wasn’t sure.

“I am very honoured and it is a privilege.”

Retired teacher Janet joined the Lincolnshire Autism Society in the late 1980s which had been started by two parents and a social worker.

She said: “Back then very few people had heard the word ‘autism’. If you said ‘autism’ they often thought ‘artistic’. I have the privilege of looking back over a lot of years and seeing that not just the awareness has increased but also the understanding has changed.

“We found some really good professionals who worked with me and Lincolnshire County Council was good enough to provide us with some funding for us to enter our son to an Autistic Society school and at the time I said I would put back whatever I could.”

Over the years, the society has grown steadily and now has a number of support groups for parents and youngsters.

Janet is also a governor for the Spalding Special Schools Federation along with working with Gosberton House Academy on the Autism Inclusion mark.

Along with passionate commitment locally, Janet is also working nationally to make a difference. She currently chairs the national Autistic Society’s Education Committee.

Janet said: “With the local and national work I am very fortunate to have that overview.

“I think a big difference has been made to the understanding and partnership work. We have had a lot of good parents, health and education workers and a lot of professionals join with us to take services forward.

“We are always available to talk to people through the national society.

“There is a lot of information and support people can access. I do believe that has made a big difference.