INTENSIVE OT PROGRAM FOR LATE DISCOVERED ADULTS

Anticipated program outcomes include:

• improved understanding of your sensory needs and how to manage them.

• improved understanding of self-regulation and co-regulation 

• have practiced simple, accessible self-regulation strategies.

• improved understanding of autistic / ADHD burnout, and pacing strategies

• stronger sense of knowing who you are and what you want, and importantly, do not want, greater self-trust

• improved executive functioning for organising and managing life's every day demands: sustaining focus, planning, problem solving, sequencing of tasks

• reduced feelings of overwhelm, increased awareness of & ability to use tools to regulate emotions & energy

• greater cognitive flexibility to cope with, adapt to and initiate change, to reduce long-held negative patterns in daily life

• improved capacity to understand, form and maintain relationships and advocate for your needs.

Using an approach that works with, not against, the needs and preferences of visual and hands on- learners,  to provide a framework for self-understanding, and improved clarity of thinking, supporting you to participate more intentionally in your life,  

1. Self -regulation tools:  Introduction and in-session practice of tools to help you improve orientation/focus,  release stress, and to monitor and adjust energy levels

2. Concepts for life:  Gentle, participatory introduction (including clay modelling) of a series of sequential, essential , abstract, and foundational Life Concepts such as ME, Change, Emotion, Order, Time, Relationship. 

3. Exploring the concepts:  Tailored activities to explore and experience the concept in the environment around us

4. Applying the concepts:  With a stronger sense of self and the concepts now part of your identity, you are ready to apply the concepts through learning strategies to: 

• establish order in the physical environment 
• explore a more positive outcome to long held patterns that have led to undesired consequences for you 
• develop self-responsibility in areas of your life where you want to create meaningful change for yourself

• Meaningful change from inside out, takes time, support  and commitment.  Programs are gentle, and progress at your pace,  involving between 100- 120 hours (approx 20-24 days).

• We work alongside each other one to one, usually one day a week,  10am - 3pm, in the peaceful SWell Centre in Hawthorn, Melbourne.

• I introduce you to simple self-regulation tools, to help you with focus and orientation, to monitor and respond to your emotions and energy.  Through experiencing the benefits of co-regulation, and actual practice of the tools together as we need them, you will build capacity for tuning in and responding to your body's cues and needs in your everyday life.

• I provide education and support regarding activity pacing/avoiding and managing burnout, understanding and meeting your sensory needs,  recommend neuroaffirming resources and supports. 

• I introduce each Life Concept in sequential order, guiding you to make clay models to represent the abstract concept and how you are involved in it, providing you with the clarity of a mental picture, to support mastery of the concept.

• Together we explore each concept.  It is only by experiencing the concept they can become part of us to think clearly with in our everyday lives. As the concepts are truly for life, explorations involve experiencing the simple magic of everyday tasks in the room, around the SWell Centre and in the community around us. I tailor explorations to your interests and preferences, eg we might pot a herb or make a snack to experience the concept of cause and effect

• We then apply the concepts through practicing strategies in areas of your life where you want to create change.

• I welcome fidgeting, stimming, reduced/ no eye contact, reduced/no chit-chat, low light etc. 

• I do not promote social norms or neurotypical expectations.. Our work together is for you, to develop your authentic self, in a safe, non-judgemental space, that meets you as you are.

• Quick fix unsustainable strategies: this approach takes time as it is about building self-trust as a late-discovered person who may have a history of confusion, overwhelm and self-doubt,, have had therapies that were not a match to your learning needs as a neurodivergent person. The aim of this intensive approach is to better equip you to cause wanted change, to manage life's ups and downs, and lean into your unique strengths.

• Art class: you do not need any skill in clay, this is not art therapy. The clay is simply used as an effective way to represent the "fuzzy" abstract cognitive ideas/ concepts in a concrete visual way,  so you can think clearly with the image of the concepts that you created.

• Talk therapy: programs are gentle, hands-on and often even fun!