Focus Ability Group
WHO WE SUPPORT
Together we can create an inclusive and accepting world by simply taking some time to learn and understand more about the people who make up our diverse community!
YOUNG ONSET Dementia
What it is
Young Onset Dementia refers to dementia symptoms that begin before the age of 65. It can affect memory, communication, behaviour, judgement, and daily functioning, often while a person is still working, parenting, or highly active in the community.
How we can help
We support individuals with Young Onset Dementia through structured, predictable supports that prioritise dignity, routine, and safety. Supports may include assistance with daily living, community access, behaviour support, and capacity‑building strategies that adapt over time as needs change.
We also work closely with families and support networks to ensure continuity and clear communication.
Our training & experience
Our team has experience supporting people with cognitive decline and complex presentation, with training in dementia‑informed care, behaviour support, communication strategies, and risk‑aware service delivery. Supports are delivered with consistency and sensitivity to changing needs.
Learn more
Dementia Australia – Young Onset Dementia:
https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/types-dementia/younger-onset-dementia
Community supports & events (WA)
Dementia Australia WA – Dementia Cafés & Groups:
https://www.dementia.org.au/get-support/community-programs
Helping Minds (support for families & carers):
https://helpingminds.org.au
Cerebral Palsy with Co‑Occurring Conditions
(Cerebral Palsy + Epilepsy | Cerebral Palsy + Intellectual Disability)
What it is
Some individuals with Cerebral Palsy also experience co‑occurring conditions such as epilepsy or intellectual disability. These combined diagnoses may affect mobility, communication, cognition, sensory regulation, and require higher levels of coordination and consistency in support
How we can help
We provide tailored supports that recognise the interaction between physical, cognitive, and medical needs. Supports may include assistance with daily living, community participation, skill development, and implementing structured routines that promote safety, stability, and participation. Where epilepsy is present, supports are delivered with heightened risk awareness and adherence to individual management plans.
Our training & experience
Our team has experience supporting complex, multi‑diagnosis presentations. Training includes epilepsy awareness, behaviour support principles, communication strategies, manual handling, and working within multidisciplinary care structures.
Learn more
Cerebral Palsy Australia:
https://cpaustralia.com.au
Epilepsy Australia:
Community supports & events (WA)
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Australia:
https://cerebralpalsy.org.au
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
What it is
Acquired Brain Injury refers to brain damage that occurs after birth, such as from stroke, accident, infection, or illness. ABI can impact memory, behaviour, emotional regulation, mobility, and independence.
How we can help
We support individuals with ABI through structured, consistent supports that recognise cognitive fatigue, emotional regulation needs, and changes in executive functioning.
Supports focus on routine, skill‑building, community access, and risk‑aware independe
Our training & experience
Our team has experience supporting individuals with complex neurological presentations. Training includes behaviour support frameworks, communication strategies, safety planning, and working within structured support environments.
Learn more
Brain Injury Australia:
https://braininjuryaustralia.org.au
Community supports & events (WA)
Brain Injury Association of WA (BIAWA):
https://www.biawa.org.au
Huntington’s Disease
What it is
Huntington’s Disease is a progressive genetic neurological condition that affects movement, cognition, emotional regulation, and behaviour.
Symptoms and support needs often change over time, requiring flexible, well‑coordinated supports for both the individual and their family.
How we can help
We provide structured, consistent supports designed to adapt as needs evolve. Supports may include assistance with daily living, community access, behaviour support, and capacity‑building strategies that prioritise dignity, safety, and quality of life.
We work closely with families and other professionals to maintain continuity and reduce disruption.
Our training & experience
Our team has experience supporting people with progressive neurological conditions and complex behaviours. Training includes behaviour support frameworks, dementia‑informed practice, communication strategies, and risk‑aware support delivery.
Learn more
Huntington’s Australia:
https://huntingtonsaustralia.au
Huntington’s Disease Network of Australia:
http://hdna.com.au
Community supports & events (WA)
Huntington’s WA:
https://www.huntingtonswa.org.au
Vision Impairment / Blindness
What it is
Vision impairment or blindness refers to partial or complete loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or lenses. Vision loss affects people in different ways and may impact mobility, communication, daily living, and community access.
How we can help
We support individuals to live safely and confidently with vision impairment through practical, person‑centred supports. This may include assistance with daily routines, orientation in the community, use of adaptive strategies, and confidence‑building to maintain independence.
Our training & experience
Our team is trained in working respectfully with people who are blind or vision impaired, including communication awareness, environmental safety, and support strategies that promote autonomy rather than reliance.
Learn more
Vision Australia:
https://www.visionaustralia.org
Community supports & events (WA)
Blind Citizens Australia:
https://www.bca.org.au
Autism (Autism Spectrum)
What it is
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and the world around them.
Autism is a spectrum, meaning no two people experience it the same way. Strengths, challenges, and support needs vary widely and can change across life stages.
How we can help
We provide person‑centred supports that respect individual communication styles, sensory needs, routines, and preferences. Supports may include assistance with daily living, community access, social participation, behaviour support, and capacity‑building strategies that are structured, predictable, and flexible. Our approach focuses on supporting autonomy, emotional regulation, and meaningful participation — not changing who someone is.
Our training & experience
Our team has experience supporting autistic individuals across a range of support needs, including complex presentations. Training includes autism‑affirming practice, behaviour support frameworks, sensory‑informed support, communication strategies, and working respectfully alongside families, allied health professionals, and support networks.
Learn more
Autism CRC (evidence‑based research & resources):
https://www.autismcrc.com.au
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect):
https://www.autismspectrum.org.au
Community supports & events (WA)
Autism Australia (formerly Autism Spectrum Australia – national resources):
https://www.autismaustralia.org.au
DDWA – Peer groups and family supports (WA):
https://ddwa.org.au
Talking About Autism
When diagnosing Autism, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used by allied health professionals and are also referred to for funding and diagnostic purposes. ‘Spectrum’ refers to the wide range of characteristics, skills and abilities that different people with Autism have.
When diagnosing Autism, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used by allied health professionals and are also referred to for funding and diagnostic purposes. ‘Spectrum’ refers to the wide range of characteristics, skills and abilities that different people with Autism have.
Respondents:
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73% of respondents were parents, family members or carers
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27% of respondents were Autistic individuals/ individuals with Autism
Preferred terminology:
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63% preferred person with Autism or did not have a preference
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30% preferred Autistic
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7% responded other
Following the results, we use both person-first language and identity-first language to recognise the different preferences that exist. When speaking to individuals, we recommend asking which language they would prefer you to use and adjusting accordingly.
Understanding Your Disability
Signs of Autism
Autism is most often diagnosed in early childhood. For some people however, the signs may not be as clear, and it might not be until later in life that the question of Autism even comes up. Learn about the signs of Autism and the key differences experienced for individuals with Autism.Click here to know more of the common signs of Autism including those for young children, adults, and girls.
Autism Support Strategies
There is no one size fits all strategy to supporting a person with Autism. Like you and me, we are different and learn differently. Because everyone is different, a strategy that works for one person may not necessarily work in the same way for another. Click here to find out some of the know the types of strategies that can support individuals with Autism and the evidence-based supports and approach we at the Autism Association use.
Understanding Behaviour
There are some commonly held beliefs about Autism which we know to be untrue. These misconceptions arise from lack of understanding and can create challenges for individuals.