Lizzi is 23 years old and a member of Woodside Park United Synagogue. She is a student at Kisharon Langdon College. She is autistic and has fragile X syndrome. She says she sees the world differently and that learning how to move through it has been part of her journey.
Creativity is central to her life. While she was a student at Oak Lodge School in East Finchley, she took part in a project that led to the publication of a book called Everything Starts with a Dot. The book was created by a group of girls, including Lizzi, to reflect the experiences of autistic girls whose stories are often missed or diagnosed later than expected. The book was launched at an event in London, where the contributors spoke about the project and the need for greater understanding of autistic girls and women.
At Oak Lodge, Lizzi also performed, playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and a witch in Macbeth. Lizzi says that learning the lines and performing on stage helped build her confidence.
Today, Lizzi volunteers with US Tribe every Wednesday. She designs and decorates Bar and Bat Mitzvah cards for children in the community. She plans each design, adds age and chooses colours and details inspired by dresses and celebrations she has seen. She says she enjoys knowing that a child will receive something she has made.
Being part of the Tribe team matters to her. She speaks about the routine of coming in each week, greeting staff, and feeling recognised. She values the responsibility and social connection. For her, volunteering is a way of giving back and being part of the community.
Her volunteering extends beyond US Chesed. Each year she takes part in Mitzvah Day at Woodside Park, baking cakes for North London Hospice. She also supports pupils with special educational needs at Kisharon and at Noam Primary School. She works with children across different age groups, assisting in class and helping them engage. She says she understands some of the challenges they face because she has faced them herself, particularly around communication and social interaction.
Lizzi speaks openly about what it feels like to become overwhelmed. She describes sensory overload as “100 symphonies playing 100 tunes at once.” Busy environments, noise and people staring can trigger this response. When it happens, she may need time away from the situation. She has learned to ask for five minutes to calm down and to use strategies that help her regulate.
She asks members of the public not to stare or intervene unless they understand autism and know how to respond. She believes that patience, space and calm support from someone she trusts make the greatest difference. Clear communication and respect for boundaries are key.
Looking ahead, Lizzi hopes to continue working in a creative role. She would like paid employment involving card design and is developing a college project focused on producing handmade printed cards to sell online. She wants to build skills that will help her move towards greater independence, including travel and daily living tasks.
Lizzi lives at home and hopes that, when ready, she will move into shared accommodation with other young women. She imagines a home where they cook together, support one another and grow in confidence. She says that like anyone else, she wants friendship, purpose and independence. She recognises that she may need more time and support to reach certain milestones but she believes she will get there.
