Meet Issy
“Issy gave me an immediate sense of calm and safety. ”
Issy Martin
Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist
Hello, I'm Issy and I'm another of the Autism Advocacy & Support Specialists. I work with children and young people through their school years to build on their strengths and develop tools and strategies to help navigate challenges they may come across. I am passionate about supporting families before, during and after Autism assessments, helping young people to make sense of their own lived experience and to navigate the resources that are out there.
I also enjoy working collaboratively with schools, families and community settings to build environments where Autistic young people can thrive. Adolescence is a period of rapid social, emotional and neurological development, and I am committed to using a strengths-based approach to support young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem, as they navigate all of the changes that the teenage years can bring. During this time, Autistic young people may struggle more than their peers, particularly around managing transitions, sensory sensitivities, friendships, understanding and managing feelings, and communicating their needs. This can lead to frustration and anxiety, and cause young people to find it difficult to go to school and to withdraw from friends. I believe in working with each individual child to build an understanding of their strengths, their challenges, and what they think might help. Together with their support network, including family and teachers, we can then develop a strengths-based, supportive approach at home and at school, or in any community setting (clubs or work experience), which is tailored to the young person’s needs. Building trusting relationships is at the core of my approach and I bring warmth, curiosity, empathy, honesty, authenticity, creativity and fun to our work together.
“Issy is passionate about the value of adequate support networks in shaping young lives, and in advocating for children’s needs.”
• Sarah’s parents •
I have eight years experience in previous therapeutic roles, supporting young people and families, and individuals with Autism. I also have two children with neurodiversity, who I have learned so much from every day since 2014. Having experienced the Autism assessment process both as parent and as a professional, I am passionate about supporting families navigating through this journey. I firmly believe that every Autistic young person has strengths to be celebrated, and can be supported to find a way to overcome their challenges and thrive.
My background is in psychology and mental health support. After completing a psychology Masters degree, I worked in outreach support with families with young children, young adults with Autism and learning difficulties, and adults with complex mental health needs at risk of homelessness. For the three years prior to joining Now, Next & Then I worked with children with complex mental health difficulties and their families as a Clinical Associate Psychologist in the NHS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Bristol. Many of the young people I worked with in CAMHS were Autistic and experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges. A large part of my work was to work with schools and families to support young people to reduce anxiety, build confidence, access learning and strengthen relationships with friends and family.
Outside work, I love to spend time with my family; playing boardgames with my children, going for walks, picnicking in the sunshine and travelling to interesting places! I enjoy singing in a choir, eating tasty food, listening to podcasts, running with friends and reading with a cat curled up on my lap.
“Issy is an asset to your NNT team. Her initiative and skillset, matches her interest and passion.”
• Former Clinical Psychology colleague•