thriving kids & ndis changes: what families need to know

Thriving Kids Is Approaching: What the Latest NDIS Changes Mean for Families

Australian families are preparing for significant changes to how some young children with developmental delay and autism access support. From 1 October 2026, the new Thriving Kids program is due to begin rolling out across Australia, with full implementation expected by 1 January 2028.

The aim is to provide earlier, more accessible support outside individual NDIS plans—particularly through the places children already spend time, such as early learning settings, schools, community services and health services.

What Is Changing?

Thriving Kids is the first phase of broader “foundational supports” being developed by the Australian Government alongside state and territory governments.

It is intended for children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. Rather than requiring families to access an individualised NDIS plan, support may be available through local and mainstream services.

The program is expected to include:

• Developmental information, advice and navigation for families
• Support for parents and carers to build confidence and practical skills
• Early identification of developmental concerns
• Targeted allied-health and early-childhood support, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology
• Services delivered in homes, early learning centres, schools and community settings

A formal diagnosis is not expected to be required for every family to access Thriving Kids support. This may help some children receive assistance sooner, without waiting for a lengthy assessment or NDIS access process.

Will Children Still Be Eligible for the NDIS?

The NDIS will continue to support children and adults with permanent and significant disability, including children with developmental delay or autism who have high support needs, under the usual eligibility arrangements.

For children with low to moderate support needs, the planned change is that Thriving Kids will become the main pathway for support once the program is fully established.

Children already participating in the NDIS before the access changes take effect are expected to remain on the scheme, subject to normal reassessment arrangements. The Australian Government has stated that changes to NDIS access arrangements are planned from 1 January 2028 and will require changes to the NDIS Act.

Why Are These Reforms Happening?

The reforms are intended to help the NDIS focus on people with permanent and significant disability, while ensuring children with lower support needs can receive timely help through services outside the scheme.

The model is built around the idea that children should be able to access support where they live, learn and play—not only through separate clinic appointments or individual funding packages.

For many families, this could mean earlier support and fewer barriers to getting help. It could also mean closer collaboration between parents, educators, health professionals and community services.

What Should Parents Do Now?

There is no need to make immediate changes solely because Thriving Kids is commencing its rollout. However, families may find it helpful to:

• Keep records of their child’s developmental needs, goals and current supports.
• Speak with their child’s GP, early childhood educator, school or allied-health provider about available local services.
• Check whether their child’s current NDIS plan, review date or reassessment arrangements could be relevant.
• Ask providers how they are preparing for Thriving Kids and how they will support families through the transition.
• Seek clear information if a child’s needs change or if current supports are no longer meeting those needs.

What Is Still Being Developed?

While the national model and rollout timeline have been announced, many local service details are still being developed by governments. This includes how families will access services in each state and territory, what supports will be available locally, and how transitions between systems will work in practice.

Families should expect more information as the October rollout progresses. The most important question will be whether support is genuinely available, timely and appropriate for each child’s needs.

Official References

• Thriving Kids — Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Thriving Kids — NDIS
• Thriving Kids model and planned rollout — ABC News