thriving kids eligibility: navigating the 2026 ndis reforms

Thriving Kids Eligibility 2026: Navigating the NDIS Changes for Your Family

For parents of children with autism and developmental delays, keeping up with changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming. With the recent announcement of the Australian Government’s $4 billion Thriving Kids program, rolling out progressively from October 2026, many families are understandably concerned about what these reforms mean for their child's therapy and support.

If you are feeling confused or anxious about whether your child will qualify for the NDIS in the future or be moved to this new system, you are not alone. Here is a clear, empathetic breakdown of the new eligibility criteria, how the transition will work, and what you can do today to prepare.

The Big Picture: What is Changing?

By 1 January 2028, the pathway to early childhood disability support will be officially split into two separate systems based on the child's level of need.

• The NDIS Pathway: Children aged 8 and under with permanent and significant disabilities who require intensive, highly individualised support will remain on the NDIS.
• The Thriving Kids Pathway: Children aged 8 and under identified as having "mild to moderate" autism or developmental delays will move outside the current NDIS framework. Instead, they will access developmental support through Thriving Kids.

The Core Pillars of the Thriving Kids Scheme

The Thriving Kids program aims to provide "foundational supports" directly within the child's natural environment rather than requiring parents to manage complex, individualised funding packages. The core pillars of the scheme include:

• Early Identification: Streamlined access to developmental checks through GPs and maternal health nurses without the need for a lengthy, formal diagnostic process.
• Embedded Allied Health: Making speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychosocial support directly available in schools, early learning centres, and child health hubs.
• Parental Empowerment: Supplying families with free access to digital support systems, parenting programs, and peer groups.
• Removing Out-of-Pocket Costs: Ensuring that targeted therapies delivered through the scheme do not leave families with gap fees to pay out of pocket.

Defining "Mild to Moderate" Funding

One of the most stressful parts of this announcement for families has been the language used by policymakers. Autism is a permanent disability, so describing a child's needs as "mild to moderate" can feel invalidating to parents advocating for their child every single day.

In this context, the government is not dismissing your child's diagnosis. Rather, they are focusing on functional capacity. A child who may need assistance with peer interactions, sensory regulation, and classroom integration—but does not necessarily need intensive, weekly one-on-one specialist therapy—will likely be directed to the Thriving Kids community-based support network instead of an individualised NDIS budget.

What Should Families Do Now?

The rollout process is designed to be gradual, so no child will have their supports immediately cut off. If your child is already on the NDIS, those arrangements will remain in place until they are reassessed.

To feel more prepared for future planning conversations, we encourage parents to:

• Keep all documentation up to date: Gather recent reports and notes from school educators, OTs, and paediatricians highlighting how your child’s diagnosis impacts their daily functioning.
• Track daily challenges: Maintain a quick diary documenting sensory struggles, communication hurdles, and emotional regulation episodes.
• Keep applying: If your child is not yet on the NDIS but you suspect they are eligible, apply now before the 1 January 2028 access changes go into full effect.

Official References:

• Thriving Kids | NDIS News Announcements

• Thriving Kids Program Overview | Department of Communities and Justice

• Understanding NDIS Reform | NDSP Plan Managers