This passionate mum knows only too well what it's like to feel different as a child.
After unknowingly living with ADHD all her life, Alisar Hassanyeh was diagnosed with the condition last year.
After launching True Colours Theatre School six years ago, now Alisar and her team, Kevin Rhodes and Gemma Jenkins give youngsters a chance to perform, act, dance and sing regardless of their physical or mental health.
The community interest company based in the Oxford Centre, Longbenton, has fully inclusive classes which have helped hundreds of children to build their self-confidence through the use of performing arts.
And now their hard work has been recognised after being shortlisted in 'Most Creative Community Project' category in this year's Autism Professionals Awards.
The Autism Professionals Awards annually recognise people, services and schools across the UK who are making a difference to autistic people and their families' lives.
True Colours have transformed many autistic children's lives including 14-year-old Becky Kenny, who finds it difficult to make friends because of her disability.
She said: "I love True Colours as I feel I belong and I can be included. I love dancing, singing and drama and enjoy being part of something with friends."
And 17-year-old Darren Renforth is autistic and loves being able to perform with his friends.
He said: "Ali and her team are very kind. I like singing and performing and I have lots of friends."
Classes for younger students focus on sensory development through storytelling, music and dance, using sensory props and instruments to aid understanding and development.
Meanwhile, performance sessions see older students learn dance routines and songs, take part in drama games, and cover creative skills, performance production, creative writing and prop design.
Alisar Jane, 43, founder of True Colours, said: "We were so shocked to receive the email telling us as a company we had made the finalists for this award.
"Every day with the children is the best reward in the world. They make our world brighter and to see them grow in confidence and achieve is magical.
"We couldn't be prouder of everyone who makes True Colours what it is and believe in us."
To find out more about True Colours, visit www.truecolourstheatre.com or call 07508 001261.
