Lynette Schoolderman of Nhill said Prader-Willi-specific housing was urgently needed in Horsham or the surrounding area.

Mrs Schoolderman said her 24-year-old son was currently housed in Ararat.

"He receives really good care there but we need him to be closer and Horsham would be the ideal location for a Prader-Willi- specific house," she said.

"We already know there are four people from that area who have the condition and my husband thinks there might be another one, so let's have it there."

Mrs Schoolderman said accommodation closer to Horsham would reduce many costs.

"We just want him to be closer, Ararat is around 212 hours away which is a fair distance to be travelling," she said.

"He can't drive or get around by himself so if he wants to come and see us we have to talk to his supervisor, then get an approval, then there is the taxi expense and it's all very restrictive."

Mrs Schoolderman said she hoped a Horsham house would have similar accommodation to Ararat. "It's a five-bedroom house and it's a supported service that provides for people with mental and physical disabilities," she said.

"There are about six clients there, including Jonathon and another person with Prader-Willi, and the staff there are aware of their condition and know how to handle their disability.

"Having proper carers look after Jonathon is a lot easier for everyone because it can be too much for parents and the carers can just go home at night and forget about it.

"The carers weigh him every week and keep an eye on him, and they encourage him to exercise on his push bike which he has been doing.

"Food and diet are restricted under strict guidelines and Jonathon now weighs 72 kilos which is fantastic."

Mrs Schoolderman said her son was also capable of working.

"Jonathon works in supported employment in Ararat which is a plant nursery called Manna Gums," she said. "He has employment experience and Horsham has the Wail Nursery which is run by the same organisation."

Nina Bertok