Octavia Therapies

25/04/2026

A great example of what support can look like.. :)

People have no idea what an autism support professional actually does. ⬇️

That’s a problem because if you don’t know what support can look like, you don’t know what you’re allowed to ask for.

In my day to day life, I’m extremely independent…but when I travel for speaking engagements, I pay a companion.
It is not possible for me to do what I do completely by myself.

So here’s how a supportive companion can assist:

▪️Help with emotional regulation in real time

That might look like noticing the signs that things are starting to build or offering a solution before problems grow bigger.
They obviously can’t eliminate strong emotions, but they can theoretically help make them manageable.

▪️Problem solving in the moment

Everyday situations like changes in plans or confusion at a register can stack up quickly. A support person can slow things down and lay out clear options. Sometimes it’s as simple as, “Here’s what we can do next…”

▪️Money management

That could include keeping track of spending, double-checking change, or stepping in if something doesn’t make sense.

▪️Communication

Asking a waiter for something, finding the right employee in a store, or explaining a need to staff…especially when the expectations aren’t clearly stated. A support person might give a prompt at the right moment, or help clarify when communication breaks down.

▪️ Scheduling and logistics

Being out in the community involves transitions and time management. A support person can help keep track of what’s next, give warnings before transitions, and help pivot when plans change.

For me personally, having that structure is the difference between a day that goes smoothly and a day that SUCKS.

All that said, I understand that not everyone has access to this kind of help.

Funding is hard to get. Finding the right person is hard. And even in good situations, it’s usually still not enough.

The point of this post is to make possibilities visible.

If the opportunity ever comes up through special services, family support, or anything else, you deserve to know what kind of help you can ask for. ❤️

19/03/2026

If only some of our biggest systems in Australia would take on board the broad spectrum of diverse brains and the benefits this brings collectively to our society. What wonders could humans then do for each other!

Check out Alex’s insights on not having a “mind’s eye”, but yet an incredible insight into what he and others can bring to the discussion.

06/03/2026

Wow! ❤️

https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/australias-first-try-before-you-fly-program-is-making-air-travel-way-more-inclusive-030526?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHooU12BRO1p4wY9Y0Inlf3S0JSJi1AVwMCk74_4wcEoRzOITYD90L98Nc1gX_aem_XNsSeGx7aUk6w2EhOjefig&utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-timeoutaustralia&mrfcid=2026030669a91c3befa4cc2027a3961f

Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have launched a free, confidence-building flying experience

03/03/2026

I am passionate about ensuring inclusive education is exactly that...inclusive for ALL students. I am especially passionate about supporting Autstic children in education settings and ensuring that their daily environments and support systems are attuned to their specific needs. It not a simple cookie cutter approach of one-for-all fit - our systems need to be flexible, accomodating, understanding, compassionate and collaborative.

If you wish to get on the soap box with me, this an opportunity to have your voice heard and to contribute to the national best practice guideline. Its a hefty read, but there is simple read format available via the website and videos to watch if that is your preferred method of learning. You can also provide your feed back through written and video too.

Feedback is being accepted until 15 March. Please contirbute to the discussion. Your voice is important.

Have your say. A draft of the National Guidance for best practice in inclusive education for autistic students is now available for community feedback. Consultation closes Sunday 15 March at 11:59pm AEST (QLD time).

14/02/2026

Body doubling is amazing for ADHD people and this initiative is fantastic.
Has anyone tried the Dubbii app yet?
Would love to hear your feedback!

09/02/2026

Connection first.. always. ❤️

A great explanation of stimming behaviours as a means of regulation.

27/01/2026

Handwriting is primarily a process and then a product. It involves may underlying foundational operations to be mapped though an interplay of linguistics, emotions, and mechanics.. It’s so much more than “hold the pencil and write”.

In the digital age we have been accustomed to now, the important skill of handwriting is becoming increasingly lost. Although technology has helped in so many ways for speed and efficiency in various contexts, there remain set backs that reminds us of the days when handwriting was given such importance in daily lives. (Remember sending a card to announce news to a loved one? A crypic note in class to a friend? Writing a shopping list? Making a cheque? Filling out a withdrawal slip to take money out of the bank? Getting a permission note from your parent to give to your teacher? Writing your lunch order on a paper bag?!)

Legibility is only one component of writing and really does not need to be the primary focus. This is why in OT when a referral comes for “handwriting”, we take time unpacking what has brought the handwriting challenges to the surface by working in regulation, perception, and other areas before or parellel to the motor skill acquisition itself.

The use of technologies alters a person’s sensory feedback, engagement and perception in various ways. Research still stands that handwriting strengthens your “encoding effect” - this is where the effort of forming letters improves retention and comprehension.

The slower pace of handwriting helps facilitate control and neural pathways associated with literacy, memory, critical thinking, and creativity. In OT we work on and teach the process before fine tuning the product

So next time you need to make a quick note, a reminder to yourself, to plan your day ot just need to switch off, consider digging out that pencil. Instead of playing that game on your phone, spend a moment scribbling or colouring. No need to stress about how neat it is- the link between holding a tool in your hand and making movements with intent (conscious or subconsciously) has powerful processing and regulatory benefits for your neurological system.

For anyone who has seen me with my notebook, you will often notice my brain dump through out the day - often starting with a clear logical list, to scribbles of “oh i have to remember that for next time!”, progressing to doodles and decorations while my brain attempts to reorganise and process, to the satisfaction of crossing off parts that are done. It’s a process for sure.. but the magic is in the journey.

08/01/2026

If you haven’t been and looking for a truly accessible, accepting, and amazing experience.. join in the magic of celebrating the end of one year and bringing in the new year at Woodford Folk Festival.
For those who were keen to find out (or laugh at) how this newbie to camping went for 9 days in a tent.. I freaking rocked it.

17/12/2025

With the end of the year drawing to a close, I want to wish all my wonderful clients, families, friends, and colleagues a restful, joyful, and blissful Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity to share the journey of 2025 with you.

Octavia Therapies will be offline and taking time to recharge my own batteries from close of business today until 19th January 2026. Please be aware that any emails or messages received during this time will be responded to once I return to the clinic in the new year.

Until then... Merry Christmas!
- Rita

01/12/2025

The holiday book pile is stocked and waiting!

Octavia Therapies will be have reduced hours from 15th to 18th December. We will be closed and offline from 19th December until 19th January.

For anyone looking for OT assessments or sessions for start of 2026… Get in touch now to secure your appointment.

23/11/2025

Spotted this wonderful little initiative in our nation capital over the weekend.
If you are ever at the Australian Portrait Gallery, head up to the info desk. The lovely staff there have these kits available for anyone who may need some tools to help enjoy their spaces.
🙏❤️

14/11/2025

❤️ How wonderful would it be to see some of our wonderful families with little ones on Play School!

Do you know a child who'd love to be on Play School? 👀

Play School are on the lookout for children with disability to appear in our 'Through The Windows' segments for new and exciting upcoming series! ✨🎥

Full instructions on how to make a submission can be found below.
Submissions close Friday 28th November at 11:59pm AEST.