Meet Lara

Hi, I'm Lara and I'm one of the Autism Advocacy & Support Specialists working at Now, Next & Then. My role is to support young people - teenagers and young adults - to be affirmative of their differences and to ensure the rest of us learn how we can adapt to make life easier as well as less stressful. I am passionate about listening to young people to really understand their lived experience, what they find difficult, and what will help them to manage better, to feel good about themselves and to find how who they are: I find that teenagers and young adults have the maturity to be listened to and to reflect on their challenges, needs and strengths.

The teenage years and early twenties are when young people begin to individuate and gain a stronger sense of their identity. It can often be a time that is bewildering, exciting, scary and emotionally challenging. It also happens to be the time when there can be enormous pressure both academically and socially. Young people, who are neurodiverse or who have traits of Autism, may struggle more than their peers.  Challenges might include understanding social communication and interaction, coping in learning environments, experiencing anxiety, understanding and expressing emotions, sensory differences and needing familiarity and routine.

I love to work creatively with and alongside the young person I am working with, supporting each one to find and express their voice, and to be empowered. This might be at school, college, in work or other places where they might be struggling.  A key area of my role is to work with other people in the young person’s life, such as teaching staff and family, to help them understand how to be supportive and modify their behaviours and the environment. My approach is always centred on the young person and I bring curiosity, honesty, open mindedness and a focus on helping individuals to be their best and authentic selves.