Thriving Kids and NDIS access: updating the original announcement

Will Your Child Still Qualify for the NDIS? The $2bn Thriving Kids Plan Explained

By Clickability · Originally published 25 August 2025

Original article and dated context

The federal government has announced a major change to the way children with developmental delay and autism are supported in Australia. A new $2 billion program, Thriving Kids, will be created outside the NDIS to provide support for children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism.
The program is set to start rolling out from mid-2026, with changes to NDIS access for children beginning in mid-2027 — once new supports are in place.

[Clickability update, September 2026: Current guidance starts services from October 2026, expanding to January 2028. NDIS access changes are described from January 2028, not mid-2027. Read the current timetable.]

Government says the change is about securing the future of the NDIS. Advocates fear it could leave families without the support they need.
TL;DR
  • The federal government has announced $2 billion for Thriving Kids, a new program outside the NDIS to support children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism. The plan is to start rolling out from mid-2026, with NDIS access changes from mid-2027, once new supports are operating.
  • Foundational supports (outside the NDIS) were a key recommendation of the 2023 NDIS Review. Thriving Kids is presented as the first concrete, national version for children.
  • Government says this shift is needed for NDIS sustainability, aiming to reduce NDIS growth from 8% to ~5–6% over time.
  • Sector reaction is mixed: some welcome a stronger early-intervention system; many advocates and states say they were blindsided and want detail, consultation, and guarantees there’ll be no service gaps.

What Is the Thriving Kids Program?

  • Funding: $2 billion investment from the federal government, jointly funded with states and territories.
  • Purpose: Provide foundational supports for children who may not need the level of funding offered under the NDIS.
  • Services: Expected to include developmental checks, allied health therapies (like speech and occupational therapy), and school/community-based supports.
  • Timeline: Services begin mid-2026; NDIS access changes from mid-2027.

Why Is this Happening to the NDIS?

The government argues that too many children with mild to moderate needs are being placed on a scheme designed for permanent and significant disability.
  • Around 7 in 10 new NDIS participants currently list autism as their primary diagnosis.
  • Children under 15 make up 43% of participants, but just 13% of total scheme payments.
  • The NDIS is currently capped at 8% annual growth, which the government calls “unsustainable.” The goal is to bring growth down closer to 5–6% in coming years.

[Clickability update, September 2026: The current transition guidance distinguishes new applications from existing children under 9. Children accessing the NDIS before January 2028 continue under earlier criteria until they turn 9, when the new criteria apply. Do not infer an individual outcome from this earlier announcement. Check the transition explanation.]

What It Means for Families Needing Autism Support?

From mid-2027, many children who might previously have been placed on the NDIS will instead be supported through Thriving Kids.
  • Families already on the NDIS are expected to remain supported until new services are available.
  • The government promises no service gaps, but parents and advocates remain cautious.
  • Support will focus more on functional needs (what a child can and cannot do day to day) rather than a diagnosis label.

What NDIS Advocates Are Saying

Reaction across the disability community has been mixed:
  • Some welcome the program as overdue reform that could strengthen early intervention outside the NDIS.
  • Others are concerned families may be “pushed off” the NDIS into a system that is underfunded, poorly defined, or not ready.
  • States and territories have also voiced frustration about limited consultation and are seeking clarity on funding and rollout.

[Clickability update, September 2026: All three dates in this historical summary need the September qualification above. Use the current October 2026 to January 2028 service rollout and January 2028 access-change guidance. See the current published dates.]

Autism Support Program Timeline at a Glance

  • Mid-2026: Thriving Kids begins rolling out services.
  • Mid-2027: NDIS access changes for children commence.
  • Beyond 2027: Program expected to operate nationally, with ongoing co-funding from Commonwealth and states/territories.

[Clickability update, September 2026: The dates and assurances in the original FAQs are historical. Public funding does not establish that every described local service is available or that every cost is covered. Confirm the actual access route and charges with the relevant service.]

FAQ: What Families and Providers Need to Know about the Thriving Kids Program

Will my child lose their NDIS plan immediately?
No. Current participants will remain supported while new services are built. Changes won’t start until mid-2027.
What’s the difference between Thriving Kids and the NDIS?
Thriving Kids will be part of “foundational supports” — for children with mild to moderate needs who may not need a full NDIS plan. The NDIS will remain for children with more significant, permanent disability.
What if my child is diagnosed with autism?
Diagnosis alone won’t guarantee NDIS access. Support will be based on functional impact — how the child’s condition affects daily life and goals.
Will Thriving Kids be free?
Yes. Like the NDIS, the program will be publicly funded. Details on delivery (through schools, health, or community settings) are still being developed.
What does this mean for providers?
Providers may see more referrals through schools and community health. Allied health, speech therapy, and psychosocial supports are likely to be in higher demand. Accreditation and integration with existing systems will remain critical.

The Bigger Picture

The announcement reflects a broader shift in how Australia funds disability support:
  • NDIS for permanent and significant disability.
  • Foundational supports like Thriving Kids for those with less severe needs.
If successful, this could give families more early, localised support without forcing them to navigate the NDIS application process. If unsuccessful, it risks leaving children in limbo — with neither the NDIS nor Thriving Kids meeting their needs.

Conclusion

The $2bn Thriving Kids program represents the most significant shift in the NDIS since its launch. Families and providers should prepare now: document functional needs, stay updated on rollout details, and be ready for new referral pathways.
The government says it is determined to protect the NDIS for the long term. Advocates say the real test will be whether Thriving Kids genuinely helps children thrive — or leaves families struggling to fill the gaps.
Sources & Further Reading

Clickability editorial update: September 2026

How families can check the next step for their child

Start with the child’s current supports, age and any written advice from the agency. Ask whether the question concerns early connections, an existing NDIS plan or a future application. These do not all follow the same transition rule.

Check local services rather than assuming the announcement establishes a place, appointment or free service. Keep current support arrangements in view and ask your NDIA contact to explain any individual notice.

For development concerns now, speak with a relevant health professional or early childhood partner. You do not need to wait for the future reform to ask what help is available. See current help pathways.

Questions readers ask

Do the original mid-2027 access dates still apply?

Current guidance describes NDIS access changes from January 2028. Read the individual transition conditions alongside that date. Official guidance

Does a Thriving Kids announcement determine my child’s individual eligibility?

No. Check the applicable criteria, transition arrangements and any individual agency decision. Official guidance

Find providers to discuss your child’s current needs

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