'Ataxia' means 'absence of order'. People with ataxia have problems of co-ordination. This is because parts of the nervous system that normally control co-ordination and balance are affected. Ataxia is the principal symptom of a group of neurological disorders called the cerebellar ataxias. Most are progressive.

SCA Australia aims to provide suport to all people affected by ataxia, but focuses on the cerebellar ataxias. An important goal for the group is to raise funds to research into treatment for this condition.