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Who We Support – How To Manage It

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What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world, communicates, and interacts with others.

Because autism is a spectrum, every person is different. Some people may need only a little support in daily life, while others may need more structured assistance.

People with autism may experience:

  • Differences in communication and social interaction
  • Challenges with changes in routine or transitions
  • Strong interests or focus on particular topics
  • Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to sound, light, textures, or crowds)
  • Differences in learning, thinking, and problem-solving

Many people with autism also have unique strengths such as attention to detail, creativity, persistence, and innovative thinking.

 

How Can Autism Be Managed?

Autism is lifelong, but with the right supports, people on the spectrum can thrive, build independence, and lead fulfilling lives. Management is about creating the right environment, building skills, and supporting participation.

  1. Therapies and Interventions
  • Speech therapy – to develop communication and language skills
  • Occupational therapy – for daily living skills, sensory regulation, and independence
  • Psychology or behaviour support – to develop coping strategies and manage behaviours of concern
  • Social skills programs – to build confidence in social settings
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Skill development – support with routines, transitions, and life skills
  • Community participation – help to engage in sports, hobbies, volunteering, or group activities
  • Education support – tailored learning approaches and classroom assistance
  • Employment pathways – training, supported employment, or workplace adjustments
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) – safe housing and in-home supports for greater independence
  1. Family and Carer Support
  • Training and resources for families to better understand autism
  • Building strong support networks
  • Collaborative planning that includes carers in decision-making
  1. Strengths-Based, Individualised Approach
  • Focusing on personal strengths and interests
  • Creating sensory-friendly and structured environments
  • Encouraging choice, independence, and self-advocacy
  • Supporting the person’s unique goals and aspirations

 

Bless Key Message

Autism does not limit potential — it changes the way a person experiences the world. With the right therapies, NDIS supports, and inclusive opportunities, people with autism can grow skills, build independence, and live rich and meaningful lives.

Management is about inclusion, empowerment, and celebrating strengths.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth.

The effects of CP vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild difficulties with movement, while others may need higher levels of daily support.

People with cerebral palsy may experience challenges such as:

  • Muscle stiffness, weakness, or uncontrolled movements
  • Difficulties with balance, walking, or coordination
  • Challenges with speech or communication
  • Associated health issues, such as seizures, vision/hearing difficulties, or pain
  • Impacts on daily living, independence, and community participation

Despite these challenges, many people with CP live fulfilling lives with the right supports and therapies.

How Can Cerebral Palsy Be Managed?

There is currently no cure for CP, but it can be effectively managed through tailored supports, therapies, and adaptive strategies that enhance independence and quality of life.

  1. Therapies and Clinical Supports
  • Physiotherapy – to improve strength, mobility, balance, and posture
  • Occupational therapy – to develop independence in daily living tasks such as dressing, eating, or using assistive technology
  • Speech therapy – to support communication, swallowing, and use of communication devices
  • Medical and allied health support – including doctors, orthopaedic specialists, and nutritionists to address associated health needs
  1. Assistive Technology and Equipment
  • Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, standing frames)
  • Communication devices or apps
  • Home modifications (ramps, bathroom aids, adaptive furniture)
  • Customised equipment to promote independence and safety
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Personal care assistance – support with daily routines such as showering, eating, and dressing
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) – tailored housing and in-home supports for independence
  • Respite and Short-Term Accommodation (STA) – providing breaks for families and carers
  • Community participation – support to engage in social, recreational, or educational activities
  • Skill development – programs to build independence, confidence, and life skills
  1. Family, Carer, and Social Support
  • Education and training for families to better understand CP
  • Respite services to reduce carer stress
  • Peer support and advocacy networks to build connections

Bless Key Message

Cerebral palsy may present physical and communication challenges, but with the right therapy, equipment, NDIS supports, and inclusive opportunities, people with CP can achieve independence, reach personal goals, and live meaningful, empowered lives.

Management is about ability, inclusion, and maximising potential.

What is Intellectual Disability?

An intellectual disability (ID) is a condition that affects how a person learns, understands, and applies information in daily life.

It is usually present from childhood and can vary from mild to severe. People with intellectual disability may experience challenges with:

  • Learning and understanding new concepts or information
  • Communication – expressing themselves or understanding others
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Daily living skills – such as cooking, money management, or personal care
  • Social interaction and building relationships

Despite these challenges, many people with intellectual disability live full and meaningful lives with the right supports.

 

How Can Intellectual Disability Be Managed?

While intellectual disability is a lifelong condition, it can be managed by providing the right mix of supports to help people reach their goals, improve independence, and participate in their communities.

  1. Health and Therapeutic Supports
  • Speech therapy – to assist with communication skills
  • Occupational therapy – to build independence in daily activities
  • Psychology or behaviour support – to manage behaviours of concern and develop coping strategies
  • Medical support – addressing any health needs associated with the disability
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Skill development – support with self-care, cooking, cleaning, transport, and money management
  • Education and training – assistance with learning in schools, TAFEs, or vocational programs
  • Employment support – building pathways into supported or open employment
  • Social and community participation – helping people connect with clubs, groups, sports, or volunteering
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) – safe housing and in-home supports to encourage independence
  1. Family and Carer Involvement
  • Providing carers and families with training and resources
  • Encouraging strong support networks
  • Ensuring families are included in planning and goal-setting
  1. Strengths-Based Approach
  • Focusing on what a person can do, rather than limitations
  • Encouraging independence and choice
  • Supporting individual goals, aspirations, and interests

 

Bless Key Message

Intellectual disability is not about what a person cannot do — it’s about finding the right supports to help them thrive. With the right mix of therapies, NDIS supports, community inclusion, and family involvement, people with intellectual disability can build skills, gain independence, and live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Management is about ability, empowerment, and opportunity.

What is Psychosocial Disability?

A psychosocial disability is the term used to describe the challenges people may experience in daily life because of a long-term mental health condition.

It’s not the mental health diagnosis itself, but the impact it has on everyday activities. For example, a person may find it harder to:

  • Manage daily routines like cooking, shopping, or personal care
  • Connect with friends, family, or community
  • Stay in work, training, or education
  • Cope with stress, emotions, or changes in routine
  • Concentrate, plan ahead, or make decisions

These challenges can affect independence, wellbeing, and participation in community life.

 

How Can Psychosocial Disability Be Managed?

While psychosocial disability may be ongoing, it can be managed with the right supports. Management is about building skills, confidence, and opportunities for recovery — not just focusing on the illness.

  1. Health and Therapeutic Supports
  • Medication – where recommended by a doctor, to help manage symptoms
  • Therapies – counselling, psychology, and evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Occupational therapy – to build daily living skills and routines
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Skill development – learning practical skills like budgeting, cooking, or using public transport
  • Mentoring and coaching – building confidence, motivation, and independence
  • Community participation – support to attend social groups, sport, volunteering, or education
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) or in-home supports – assistance with daily life where needed
  • Peer support – connecting with others who share similar experiences
  1. Recovery-Oriented Approach
  • Focusing on a person’s strengths and goals
  • Supporting self-advocacy and independence
  • Recognising the role of family, carers, and community in recovery
  • Creating a safe, inclusive, and stigma-free environment

 

Bless Key Message

Psychosocial disability doesn’t define a person — it’s one part of their story. With the right combination of healthcare, NDIS supports, and community connection, people can build resilience, independence, and live meaningful lives.

Management is about recovery, growth, and participation — not just treatment.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres (myelin). This causes inflammation and damage, which disrupts the way signals are sent between the brain and the rest of the body.

Because MS affects people differently, symptoms can vary and may come and go (relapse and remission) or gradually worsen over time.

Common symptoms of MS include:

  • Muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms
  • Problems with balance, walking, or coordination
  • Fatigue and reduced energy
  • Numbness or tingling in the body
  • Bladder or bowel changes
  • Vision problems
  • Memory, concentration, or other cognitive challenges

 

How Can MS Be Managed?

Currently, there is no cure for MS, but it can be effectively managed through medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and support services to improve quality of life.

  1. Medical and Clinical Management
  • Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) – to slow the progression of MS and reduce relapses
  • Medications – to manage symptoms like pain, spasticity, fatigue, or bladder issues
  • Neurologist care – regular monitoring and treatment planning
  • Rehabilitation – physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to manage symptoms and maintain function
  1. Therapies and Allied Health Supports
  • Physiotherapy – to maintain strength, balance, and mobility
  • Occupational therapy – to build independence with daily activities and recommend adaptive equipment
  • Speech therapy – to support communication or swallowing if affected
  • Psychology and counselling – for emotional wellbeing and coping strategies
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Personal care assistance – support with daily tasks like showering, dressing, or meal preparation
  • Assistive technology – mobility aids, home modifications, and communication devices
  • Skill development – learning strategies to manage fatigue, memory, or daily routines
  • Respite and Short-Term Accommodation (STA) – to provide rest for participants and carers
  • Community and social participation – support to stay connected with friends, groups, and hobbies
  1. Lifestyle and Self-Management
  • Regular exercise to improve strength, energy, and flexibility
  • Healthy diet to support overall wellbeing
  • Stress management and adequate rest
  • Staying socially engaged and connected

 

Bless Key Message

MS is a lifelong condition, but with the right mix of medical care, therapies, assistive technology, and NDIS supports, people with MS can manage symptoms, maintain independence, and live meaningful lives.

Management is about adapting, empowering, and focusing on quality of life.

What is Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is any type of brain injury that happens after birth (not something a person is born with).

It can be caused by events such as:

  • Trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, assaults)
  • Stroke
  • Lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
  • Infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
  • Alcohol or substance misuse
  • Brain tumours or surgery

The effects of ABI depend on which part of the brain is affected, how severe the injury is, and the person’s recovery process.

Common impacts of ABI may include:

  • Cognitive changes – memory problems, difficulty concentrating, reduced problem-solving ability
  • Emotional and behavioural changes – mood swings, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, or irritability
  • Physical challenges – weakness, fatigue, mobility issues, headaches, or sensory changes
  • Communication difficulties – speech or understanding problems
  • Daily living challenges – reduced independence in personal care, work, or community life

 

How Can ABI Be Managed?

There is no single treatment for ABI, but it can be managed with tailored rehabilitation, therapies, and supports that focus on recovery and independence.

  1. Medical and Clinical Supports
  • Neurologist or rehabilitation specialists – ongoing assessment and treatment
  • Medication – for associated symptoms such as seizures, mood regulation, or pain
  • Rehabilitation programs – intensive therapy during early recovery and ongoing support
  1. Therapies and Allied Health Supports
  • Physiotherapy – to improve movement, strength, balance, and coordination
  • Occupational therapy – to rebuild independence in daily tasks and recommend adaptive equipment
  • Speech therapy – to support communication, language, and swallowing difficulties
  • Psychology / Behaviour support – to help with emotional regulation, behaviour changes, and coping strategies
  • Cognitive rehabilitation – strategies to improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving
  1. NDIS and Community Supports
  • Personal care support – help with dressing, showering, meal prep, and routines
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) – in-home supports for greater independence
  • Community and social participation – to reconnect with friends, hobbies, volunteering, or education
  • Skill development – training in daily living, social, and vocational skills
  • Assistive technology – mobility aids, communication devices, or memory support tools
  1. Family and Carer Support
  • Training and resources for carers to understand ABI and its impacts
  • Counselling and respite services to reduce stress and support family wellbeing
  • Inclusion in recovery planning to ensure consistent support

 

Bless Key Message

ABI can significantly change a person’s life, but with the right combination of rehabilitation, therapies, NDIS supports, and community inclusion, people can rebuild independence, adapt to changes, and live fulfilling lives.

Management is about recovery, adaptation, and maximising quality of life.