Changing lives and transforming futures of Young Autistic People

My son Ryan has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and Dyslexia. He has had a Learning Assistant since Primary 3 which has allowed him to excel in school. I assumed all support would end when he went to university and I worried how he would cope. Mr Joe Martin from Next Step Transitions spoke to Ryan in school regarding help available to him and then met with Ryan and I in June to discuss his options. I have to say Joe has been remarkable! He has gone above and beyond to make this process so much more manageable for Ryan. Change for those with Autism is incredibly difficult but Joe has made all the difference. He is able to prepare Ryan for what meetings are upcoming and what to expect in those meetings. He is also the font of all knowledge when it comes to what help is available and if he doesn’t know he’ll find out and come back to us. I would thoroughly recommend any parent in my situation to use Next Step Transitions and if they are lucky enough to have Joe on board so much the better for all involved!

Our Son, Adam, has a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome and struggles with all aspects of social interaction and changes to routine. We were very worried how the step up to University and living away from home would affect him, but we wanted the opportunity for him to try it. Next Step Transitions provided invaluable assistance from helping with accommodation, organising tutor support through weekly meetings, acquiring assistive technology and recording aids to assist with taking lecture notes. With all the assistance and support in place, Adam was able to work to the best of his ability, has made friends and is very independent. He has exceeded our expectations and is on the Deans list in recognition of his first year examination results. We would recommend Next Step Transitions to any Parents and their children seeking help and guidance when making the ‘Next Step’ to University.

“Joe from Next Step Transitions has worked within our school in the past and provided a transition support programme for some of our students. The Programme that he has provided was very useful and beneficial for the school, students and indeed the student's family. When Joe worked with us he took a multidisciplinary approach and he worked effectively with other outside agencies. I would recommend Joe, as the work he has done with some of our students has been outstanding.

I just wanted to record my deep appreciation for the support and guidance that my son received from both Joe and Joanne in Next Step Transitions throughout his transition from 6th form to successfully gaining a place at the University of Ulster and acquiring appropriate accommodation at the Coleraine Campus.

"Over the last 5 years, Joe and his work have been invaluable to my son Ben who has Asperger's Syndrome, now aged 20 and in full time education; and also to myself, his mother. From Ben's GCSE years through to A Level and now as an undergraduate Joe has been instrumental in guiding and enhancing Ben's educations experiences by signposting the correct support and services available at the correct time. He has also talked myself and Ben through the different processes of applying for colleges or support and liaised with various agencies/support workers on Ben's behalf."

Joe Martin worked with the Northern Regional College providing a transition support programme to many of our students who had ASC. During the time Joe was transition officer he introduced students to the college at an early stage this allowed for the planning of their specific support needs. This in turn helped to reduce the anxiety felt by the students and their families as they made the transition from school to college life. We at the college found the service which Joe provided to be very beneficial to students, their families and indeed to the college. I feel that there is a drastic need for such a support service for young people and their parents/carers. The service provided us with a vital link to the local secondary school community and ensured the smooth transition of each and every child.