Meet Lizzie
“Lizzie told me, ‘Childhood is so precious’ and I sincerely thank her for that. ”
Lizzie Young
Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist for early years and primary aged children
Hi! I’m Lizzie and I’m the Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist for early years and primary-aged children. Autism can be viewed through many lenses but through my glasses, I see children who, if you take the time to listen and watch closely, always show us what they need. When we focus our thinking and narrative to really ‘see’ the child, they can then demonstrate how much more is possible when their needs are met appropriately and individually – that truly is a gift to behold. No two people are identical, so their support shouldn’t be either. I meet each child at their point of development and aim to support their narrative to be heard; it is this that ensures my support and advocacy are completely neurodiversity-affirming. By being responsive I bring a curiosity and playfulness to all I do, and this runs through my practices like a golden thread. Working with creative people who seek to remove barriers instead of creating them is what brought me to Now Next & Then where I am very much at home with those who feel and work in the same way for all children.
My career has taken me on a journey to becoming part of Now Next & Then. I have an extensive history of working with children and their families in the early years and primary stages. This has included delivering ‘outstanding’ inclusive and innovative practices to support positive mental health outcomes for neurodiverse communities of children. My crowning achievement has been my first-class honours degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, in 2021. The combination of my experience and embedded knowledge enables me to lean into evidence and experience-based approaches so that I can provide reflective and holistic support that is totally bespoke to each individual. Centering, validating and celebrating a child’s identity with them is what motivates me, as they journey to explore and discover who they are. So often, it’s the world around the child that needs to sit up, pay attention and listen to their statements of identity, not the other way around! I just love the quote, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
“Lizzie has a real passion for working with children and a commitment to seeing and celebrating them as individuals”
• Early Years colleague •
While working on a project about anti-discriminatory practices, I became familiar with the te reo Māori word for autism; ‘Takiwātanga’, which was coined by Keri Opai. It translates to “My/his/her own time and space.” This has been so important to me as it gives permission to trust children to take their own lead, while I provide opportunities and environments for them to be able to do exactly what they need to do. The right support given to children from an early age can and should never be underestimated – every child deserves a childhood, and every child has a right to play, even if those around them do not understand their play style and divergent pathway of development. Working together, I hope our explorations can be instrumental in enabling a child to thrive.
Despite being told at a young age that I was not creative, I have come to understand that I am – I just can’t draw – it's unlikely you’ll ever hear me suggest a game of Pictionary! I find walking in wide-open, wild spaces and woodlands incredibly nourishing for my soul and occasionally I’ll climb a small mountain (or big hill) if the mood takes me! I am Mum to two “grown-up” children and, alongside my partner, I am enjoying sharing their adventures into adulthood and all that that brings. I love to laugh, and recognise the power and importance of talking and listening.
“Lizzie believes that everyone deserves to know who they are and to feel comfortable with that. She is determined to help children navigate their lives so they can thrive.”
• Occupational Therapist •