Parents’ Guide to 'Thriving Kids': Navigating the NDIS Changes
If you are a parent of a young child with autism or a developmental delay, you have likely heard about the massive changes coming to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With the federal government confirming the rollout of the ‘Thriving Kids’ program starting from October 1, 2026, many families are feeling anxious and asking: What does this actually mean for my child's support?
The changes represent a major shift in how Australia funds and delivers early childhood intervention. The focus is moving away from individual NDIS plans for every child, and towards community-based "foundational supports." Here is what parents need to know.
Who Stays on the NDIS and Who Moves?
The biggest transition takes effect on 1 January 2028. From this date, access to the NDIS will be split based on the level of support a child needs:
- High Support Needs: Children under 8 with permanent, significant disabilities and substantially reduced functional capacity will continue to access individualised funding through the NDIS.
- Low-to-Moderate Support Needs: Children under 8 with "mild to moderate" developmental delays or autism will no longer enter the NDIS. Instead, they will be supported by the new $4 billion Thriving Kids program.
What Does the 'Thriving Kids' Program Look Like?
Unlike the NDIS, which gives families a budget to choose private therapists, Thriving Kids is designed to bring the therapy directly to the child. The program will not require a formal diagnosis, removing a major hurdle for families stuck on long waitlists.
Key features of Thriving Kids include:
- Embedded Support: Speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists will work directly inside early childhood education centres, primary schools, and community health hubs.
- Parenting Support: Free phone and online family support lines, alongside funded parenting programs and peer groups.
- No Gap Fees: Based on current government commitments, services accessed through Thriving Kids will not incur out-of-pocket costs for families.
What if My Child is Already on the NDIS?
This is the top concern for most families. The government has offered assurances that children enrolled in the NDIS before 1 January 2028 will not automatically lose their plans.
If your child is already receiving NDIS funding, they will continue to be assessed under the existing eligibility criteria rather than the stricter post-2028 rules. However, plan reassessments are increasing—especially around the age 6 diagnosis cut-off and for children aged 7-9. It is highly recommended that parents keep all developmental reports and functional capacity assessments up to date.
For parents currently considering applying for the NDIS, experts advise doing so now rather than waiting for the changes to take effect.
Official References:
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