Australia is on the cusp of the biggest shift to early childhood disability supports in more than a decade. The Thriving Kids program—set to begin in phases from 1 July 2026—will introduce a national, community‑based system of foundational supports for children with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism, while the NDIS refocuses on people with permanent and significant disability.
If you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or provider, this blog unpacks what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how to prepare—especially for children with needs.
Children are over‑represented on the NDIS: just under half of participants are under 15, and one in ten six‑year‑olds is on the scheme. Policymakers argue many of these children have mild–moderate needs better met through mainstream and foundational supports delivered where children live, play and learn (GP clinics, early learning settings, schools, local therapy hubs), rather than via individual NDIS packages.
The NDIS Review (final report released December 2023) called for a unified ecosystem: an NDIS focused on permanent and significant disability, plus foundational supports for others—particularly children—outside the NDIS. National Cabinet endorsed this direction and backed legislative changes and co‑commissioning of foundational supports with states/territories.
Economically, the scheme has outpaced early projections—more than 740,000 participants, with costs forecast to reach $64 billion by 2029—driving reforms to curb annual growth and align supports to original intent while protecting participant outcomes.
Scope & purpose: Thriving Kids will identify developmental concerns early and deliver practical, evidence‑informed supports for children 0–8 (often discussed as 0–9 in public commentary), with program timing deliberately set ahead of changes to NDIS access from mid‑2027.
Delivery model: Rather than individualised NDIS budgets for every child with mild–moderate needs, Thriving Kids will connect families to community‑based services—GPs, maternal & child health, early learning centres, schools, and local allied health (including speech pathology and occupational therapy). Policymakers have signalled Medicare items may be considered for key therapies and checks (e.g., a bulk‑billed three‑year‑old check‑up), though final design remains under negotiation.
Funding & rollout: The Commonwealth’s $2 billion commitment is to be matched by states and territories; services commence from 1 July 2026, scaling nationally over 12 months.
NDIS continuity: Children with permanent and significant disability—for example, complex communication disorders associated with intellectual disability or severe neurological conditions—remain within NDIS. Thriving Kids aims to ensure others get timely, proportionate supports without needing NDIS access.
Children with developmental conditions such as autism, intellectual disability, and developmental delay will be impacted. Early support—delivered in everyday settings—drives better outcomes and reduces later complexity. The NDIS Review emphasised increasing supports in environments where children live, play, and learn, and Thriving Kids is designed to shift practice toward family‑centred, participation‑focused interventions.
For families and schools, expect greater emphasis on:
In January 2025, the Australian Government released the National Autism Strategy (2025–2031)—a cross‑system blueprint to improve outcomes in social inclusion, economic participation, diagnosis/supports, and health. The Strategy commits $42.3 million for initial actions and emphasises co‑design with autistic people and families. Thriving Kids complements this by expanding foundational supports, improving pathways and navigation for families, and balancing community participation supports with timely clinical care.
Analyses from universities and autism organisations have highlighted the need to bridge mainstream, foundational and NDIS supports—using navigators and integrated pathways to reduce fragmentation. Thriving Kids is intended to be part of that bridge.
Legislation & rules (from 3 Oct 2024):
The NDIS Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Act 2024 is in force. It defines NDIS supports (with lists of what is and isn’t fundable), introduces framework plans and clearer budgeting, provides pathways for reassessment, and sets out early intervention rule‑making (including children under nine). Details are being implemented progressively via NDIS Rules.
Integrity & safeguarding (2025):
A second tranche—the NDIS Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025—proposes stronger regulatory powers: higher penalties, anti‑promotion orders against predatory marketing, expanded banning powers (including auditors/consultants), and stronger information‑gathering. Parliament will consider the Bill in 2026.
Pricing arrangements (2025–26):
Updated Pricing Arrangements & Price Limits took effect in FY2025–26, with further updates commencing 24 Nov 2025 (e.g., revised price limits for art/music therapy) and refined guidance on travel and claiming—participants and providers should check official NDIA updates.
What hasn’t changed:
Eligibility criteria (permanent and significant disability or early intervention requirements) remain grounded in the NDIS Act—though assessment pathways and rules are evolving to be clearer and more consistent.
Q: Will my child lose NDIS funding?
A: If your child has permanent and significant disability, the NDIS remains the right system. Thriving Kids is intended for children with mild–moderate needs; access changes apply to new entrants from mid‑2027, and reforms are being sequenced to avoid gaps.
Q: My child’s therapy is under NDIS now—what happens?
A: Continue your plan as usual, monitor review dates, and ensure supports align to NDIS support lists and updated claiming rules. Your provider should reference the latest pricing arrangements and plan components.
Q: Where will Thriving Kids services be delivered?
A: Through mainstream systems—GPs, maternal & child health, early learning and schools—plus local allied health. Policymakers have discussed Medicare‑supported items (e.g., bulk‑billed check‑ups); final design is being settled with states/territories.
Q: How does this relate to autism policy?
A: The National Autism Strategy sets a wider agenda (inclusion, health, diagnosis, employment). Thriving Kids specifically addresses early supports and pathways for children, complementing the Strategy’s aims.
While Thriving Kids is a national initiative, details will be finalised between the Commonwealth and each state/territory. In Victoria, expect local service design discussions with the Department of Health and education partners—SLCN supports should integrate with Kindergarten and school‑based inclusion programs, and maternal & child health services. (Design finalisation is ongoing nationally.)
The promise of Thriving Kids is earlier, simpler, and more accessible help—delivered in the places children spend their time. Done well, this reduces stress on families, lifts participation at school, and keeps parents in work through practical scheduling and local access.
At the same time, the NDIS must continue to be a robust lifeline for children with complex, enduring needs—with clear rules, fair pricing, and strong safeguards. The 2023 NDIS Review laid the groundwork; the 2024–26 legislative changes and pricing updates are part of carefully sequencing reform so supports are in place before access settings shift.
For families helping children with developmental conditions and delays, the message is clear: early, everyday supports work. Whether through Thriving Kids or NDIS, the focus is on practical strategies embedded in home and school routines—helping children communicate, connect, and thrive.
At SLCN, we specialise in family‑centred, participation‑focused support for children with developmental conditions and delays. We partner with families, early learning centres and schools to embed practical strategies into daily routines—now and through the transition to Thriving Kids.
Questions about your situation? Tell us a bit about your child’s goals (skills at home, classroom participation, peer interactions), and we’ll suggest a personalised plan for 2026–27.
