Creative Therapy and Support for Autism and Mental Wellness
Individuals, Families, Groups
Incorporating home education creative events and support.
About us.
Orange Elephants Creative Minds is an inclusive small business that supports Autistic individuals and those with mental disorders, along with their families and carers. We individual behaviour management plans along with individual, group and family therapy sessions that are strength and goal-based. Sessions are offered in our Tallebudgera Valley creative studio, online, or on a home visit basis (Gold Coast area, including NSW border).
At Orange Elephants Creative Minds we appreciate the individual uniqueness we all have to offer, supporting alternative lifestyles. As part of our diversity program, we support and offer workshops and creative events to the home educating community. Founder Jennifer Althaus has over 24 years of experience home educating the natural way and is still home educating her 15-year-old, who is autistic with a mental impairment.
Our tutoring service offers students at the secondary and tertiary level support and guidance. We specialise in tutoring students with special needs as they navigate the education system.
All staff hold a Working With Children Blue Card (Qld) and are NDIS worker screened.
Therapists hold qualifications in Autism Studies, Creative Writing, Early Childhood, Lego Therapy and African Drumming circle and Rhythm 2 Recovery.
All services can be claimed under NDIS.
Services
Lego Therapy
An evidence-based Lego program that has proven to show improvement in the natural development of social communication and receptive language.
Lego Therapy promotes social interaction, turn-taking skills, sharing, collaborative problem-solving, fine motor skills and the development of friendships.
Lego exploration group
Meeting weekly this free exploration group is a sensory-friendly social group for children aged 10-15 years with an interest in Lego. Supported and guided by a qualified Lego therapist this group promotes peer connection, social communication and receptive language development.
Free to be me creative sessions
Client-led creative sessions that promote social skills, language development, self-awareness, self-esteem and mental wellness. Each session provides an interest and strength-based creative activity. Available for all ages, individuals and groups.
Beyond the Spectrum Early Intervention Playgroup
A weekly play session for autistic children under 5 and their parents and carers. A variety of developmentally appropriate play activities are provided in a non-threatening, calming and safe environment. Sessions are child-led and strength-based with support and guidance offered to parents.
Groups are planned and supported by a qualified early childhood educators who holds a degree in autism studies.
Where: Tallebudgera Valley, Qld.
When: Mondays 1.30 pm - 2.30pm
Cost $30 per session (NDIS available)
Contact us to book your spot.
Sensory Play for 5 - 10 year old's
Individual and group sessions of sensory exploration for children age 5 to 10 years. Sessions are child-led and child-focussed based on the strengths and interests of the child/children.
Contact us for session details.
Bibliotherapy for all ages
Bibliotherapy is the use of books and stories to promote self-awareness, social skills, communication, language skills, reading, mental wellness and a sense of self.
Individual and group sessions are available. Sessions are client-focused and goal-planned. Sessions are suitable for all levels of reading. Books can be read allowed to participants, read with participants or shared after being read by the participant.
Suitable for all ages.
Beat of Life
A therapeutic evidence-based program that is fun and engaging. Using Djembe drums and percussion instruments Beat of Life sessions develop social and emotional skills, increase self-awareness and self-acceptance and focus on healthier relationships. Beat of Life sessions increase positive patterns of behaviour that support psycho-social health, enabling individuals to break free of destructive patterns.
Sessions are suitable for all ages.
NDIS funded.
Contact us for further details.
Writing therapy and consultancy - Adults
Our highly experienced and qualified writing therapists and consultants are ready to help you piece words together, tighten the words you have and find yourself within the pages of the written word.
Speak to us about your creative writing interests, stories and needs. Services are designed to meet the needs of writers.
Services offered include: writing for mental wellness, expressing yourself through writing, telling your story, structural editing, story development and writing mentoring.
NDIS funding available.
Home educating creative workshops and events.
We offer unique and diverse creative workshops and support to the home educating community. All events are run by a home-educating mum with over 24 years' experience.
Currently offering: Short Story Writing Course (10-week term), Lego Exploration Group, Literary Study Group.
Contact us for further information.
Behaviour Management Plans
Behaviour management plans provide guidance and support in situations where there is, or there is a risk of, challenging behaviour. Plans are individual and function focussed.
‘Challenging behaviour’ is persistent behaviour that puts the physical safety of people at risk or that causes difficulties and limits a person’s ability to function in society.
Our staff are available to work alongside families, schools and other professionals to write and guide plans that provide successful positive outcomes.
We have staff qualified in criminal justice and autism ready to work closely with autistic youth within the criminal justice system.
Youth Group
An informal group for autistic youth and individuals with mental illness aged 15 to 20 years.
Guided by staff with qualifications in autism, mental health and criminal justice this group provides youth with a safe place to make new friends, engage in creative activities, discover nature and be themselves. A place to form new friendships, gain support and be understood.
Where: Tallebudgera Valley
When: Wednesdays, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Cost: $15 per participant. Includes afternoon tea. (NDIS available)
Contact us to express your interest.