General occupational therapy
Teens and Young Adults (13 - 25 Years)
During adolescence and young adulthood, individuals experience significant changes and face new challenges. Our occupational therapy services for teens and young adults support this critical transition. We focus on enhancing their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, with a special emphasis on autism and mental health needs.
Our goal is to empower young people to build resilience, develop independence, and lay a strong foundation for their adulthood.
Specialised support
for diverse needs
For autistic young people
Young people with autism face distinct challenges as they transition to adolescence and adulthood, dealing with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and changes in routines, alongside hurdles in communication and self-sufficiency.
Our strategies are designed to improve social skills for better connectivity and relationships, provide effective management of sensory challenges to ensure comfort across settings, and develop crucial life skills like organisation, time management, and self-care, ultimately supporting a more independent, fulfilling life.
Mental health focus
We address common mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and provide specialised support for more complex conditions such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, and more. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and the ability to meet life goals.
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We offer support in building coping mechanisms for daily stressors, guidance on maintaining routines, and techniques for emotional regulation. Our therapy includes skill-building activities aimed at enhancing social interaction, self-care, and independence.
For other disabilities
Teens and young adults with various disabilities, whether physical, developmental, or neurological, face distinct challenges in their daily lives. These may include difficulties with mobility, communication, learning, or performing everyday tasks.
While we specialise in therapy for autistic people and people with mental health issues, our therapy services are available for all. Our therapists are trained to deliver high quality interventions regardless of disability.
Supporting life transitions
Our therapy is a journey to unlock each individual's potential. This stage of life is about more than just managing challenges – it's about thriving, embracing individuality, and preparing for a future of possibilities.
Occupational Therapy can...
Develop self care mastery
We focus on nurturing essential self-care skills. This includes refining abilities in personal grooming, hygiene, and managing daily routines.
Teach life skills
This involves teaching young adults to manage their finances effectively, cook basic meals, navigate public transport, maintain a clean and organised living space, and more.
Enhance social skills
We focus on enhancing abilities such as understanding social cues, effective communication, and building healthy relationships. These skills are important for successful interactions in diverse settings, be it in school, the workplace, or social gatherings.
Foster emotional regulation
We assist teens and young adults in understanding and managing their emotions effectively. This includes strategies for coping with stress, anxiety, and frustration.
Understand sensory processing
We focus on strategies to manage sensory information effectively. Our therapy helps young people adapt to different sensory environments, enhancing their ability to process and respond to sensory stimuli in everyday life.
Get work ready
For older teens and adults, we assist with employment readiness. Our program includes building job-seeking skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, workplace communication, and advocacy for workplace accomodations. We also focus on developing the soft skills necessary for employment, such as time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Case study: Alex's journey with Brain Seed
Alex, a 19-year-old university student, faces the daily challenges of living with schizophrenia. His condition alters his reality with unique perceptions and experiences, making academic and social environments particularly challenging. He often encounters auditory hallucinations and delusional thoughts, which can create barriers to focusing in lectures or engaging with classmates.
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Despite a supportive network of friends and family, Alex finds himself isolated due to the stigma surrounding his condition and the unpredictability of his symptoms. Social interactions can be difficult, as he struggles to distinguish between his internal experiences and external realities, which can lead to misunderstandings and anxiety in group settings or one-on-one conversations.
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However, Alex is more than his diagnosis. He is a talented musician, expressing his experience of schizoph through his guitar and piano playing. This creative outlet not only provides him with a sense of peace but also connects him with others who appreciate his artistry and bravery in sharing his story.
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LEARN ABOUT US
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What is Brain Seed's approach?Our therapy approach is goal-focused and evidence-based. We collaborate with clients and their families to identify key areas for development, setting clear goals to work towards increased independence in those areas. Our methods may involve working on underlying skills, such as improving hand-eye coordination to engage in ball games, or focusing directly on the task itself, like teaching step-by-step processes for getting dressed or cooking.
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What makes Brain Seed different?We address common challenges in occupational therapy with our unique approach. While some practices that may rely heavily on standardised programs, we emphasise personalised, context-specific strategies. We avoid pitfalls like insufficient client involvement in goal setting or neglecting the latest research in our field. Instead, we prioritise collaborative goal-setting with clients and their families, focusing on practical outcomes that matter to them.
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What areas does Brain Seed service?We provide mobile occupational therapy services across Sydney's Inner West, South-West, CBD, and Lower North Shore suburbs. We operate in a 30 minute radius from our home in Petersham. Additionally, our Telehealth services are available Australia-wide. Please contact us directly to find out if we service your specific location.
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How much does therapy cost?Therapy services are priced at $193.99 per hour for all clients, regardless of their funding source. For NDIS clients, there is an additional one-way travel charge, calculated based on the NDIS rate. This means the travel cost is proportional to the distance traveled to provide the service. Additional charges apply for report writing, communication with stakeholders such as support coordinators and other therapists, and for the time spent creating customised resources for therapy.
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How do I know if my child needs OT?Determining if your child needs occupational therapy involves observing their daily activities and development. Look for signs such as difficulties with coordination, challenges in playing or socialising with peers, trouble with daily tasks like dressing or eating, or delays in reaching developmental milestones. Behavioural issues or unusual responses to sensory experiences can also be indicators. If you notice any of these signs, or if you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s a good idea to consult with an occupational therapist for an evaluation. We always encourage concerned parents to call our practice to speak with a Senior Occupational Therapist, free of charge and obligation.
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Where does therapy take place?Therapy is designed to fit your lifestyle. We offer in-home sessions, as well as sessions at childcare centers, schools, or any other convenient community locations. For those who prefer or need remote services, we also provide Telehealth sessions via Zoom.