Beyond the NDIS: Navigating Support for Children with Developmental Delays

TL;DR: Significant NDIS reforms mean that from January 1, 2028, children under 8 with low-to-moderate support needs will access support through a new program called 'Thriving Kids', while those with high needs remain NDIS-eligible. This shift aims to provide early intervention via community-based services, prompting families to understand both pathways and advocate for their child's needs.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been a lifeline for countless Australian families, providing vital support for children with disabilities and developmental delays. However, significant reforms are on the horizon, particularly for children under 8, which are understandably causing anxiety and uncertainty for many parents. As an NDIS Advocate, we at 'DisabilityInsights' understand these concerns and are here to help you navigate what these changes mean for your child's access to essential services. Understanding both the evolving NDIS landscape and the new "Foundational Supports" is crucial for ensuring your child continues to thrive. See our complete are-children-with-a-disability-still-eligible-for-the-ndis guide for more detailed information on NDIS eligibility.

What Significant NDIS Changes Are Coming for Children Under 8?

From January 1, 2028, a major restructuring of disability support for children aged 8 and under will fundamentally alter how many families access assistance. Currently, children in this age group with developmental delays or disability can access the NDIS through the Early Childhood Approach (formerly ECEI), which provides individualised funding for therapies like speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology. Under the impending reforms, this pathway will split into two distinct routes. Children with permanent and significant disabilities, demonstrating high support needs and a "substantially reduced functional capacity," will continue to access the NDIS as they do now. However, children with low-to-moderate support needs, often those with developmental delay or autism, will be redirected to a new national program called 'Thriving Kids', forming the first phase of "Foundational Supports." This change aims to shift some early intervention services from individualised NDIS plans to broader, community-based support systems, profoundly impacting how parents seek and receive help for their young ones.

Who Will Still Be Eligible for the NDIS After the Changes?

Following the NDIS reforms, eligibility for children under 8 will become more clearly defined, with the scheme focusing on those with the most significant and permanent support needs. Your child is likely to remain NDIS-eligible if they have a permanent disability resulting in "substantially reduced functional capacity" across multiple areas, requiring lifelong support. This includes children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, significant intellectual disability, vision or hearing impairment, or diagnosed conditions that are expected to result in permanent and profound impacts on their daily life. The critical determinant will be the degree to which their disability reduces their capacity to perform everyday tasks compared to children of the same age, moving beyond general developmental delays or what might be considered "mild" or "moderate" support requirements. The NDIS will continue to support children whose needs are high, complex, and enduring, requiring individualised funding and ongoing specialised interventions not readily available through general community services.

What is Thriving Kids and How Will It Support Children?

Thriving Kids is a new national program, backed by a $4 billion investment over five years from both Commonwealth and state/territory governments, designed to provide foundational supports for children under 8 with low-to-moderate support needs. This program is envisioned as the first phase of a broader commitment to establish comprehensive "Foundational Supports" outside the NDIS, aiming for earlier and more accessible intervention. Instead of individualised NDIS plans, Thriving Kids will primarily deliver therapies and supports through community-based hubs. These hubs are intended to offer integrated services, including allied health therapies, information, and peer support, directly within local communities. The goal is to ensure that children receive necessary early intervention to foster their development and participation in everyday environments, such as childcare, playgroup, and school, by empowering families with tools and resources within their local context, even if their child does not meet NDIS eligibility.

What Are the Main Concerns Families Have About These Reforms?

The NDIS reforms, particularly the introduction of Thriving Kids, have generated significant apprehension among Australian families. One of the primary fears is the potential loss of long-standing, trusted therapeutic relationships. Many children have spent years building rapport with specific speech therapists, occupational therapists, or psychologists, and the shift to community hubs could mean losing these vital connections, impacting their progress and emotional well-being. There are also deep concerns that a child's needs, particularly those with Level 1 autism or developmental delays, may be underestimated in a less individualised assessment framework. Terms like "mild" or "moderate" are not clinical diagnoses but policy constructs, failing to capture the daily realities of sensory challenges, social difficulties, and meltdowns that these children and their families navigate.

Furthermore, families worry about the readiness and accessibility of the Thriving Kids program. With a scheduled launch in October 2026, many of the necessary community services and infrastructure are not yet established, particularly in regional and remote areas where access to therapists is already scarce. Without a concrete guarantee that children will not receive less support than they currently do under the NDIS, parents fear a reduction in service quality and quantity. Advocacy groups have also highlighted the lack of genuine co-design in the development of Thriving Kids, stressing the importance of neuro-affirming approaches and flexible support options that truly reflect the lived experiences and needs of autistic individuals and their families.

What Steps Can Families Take Right Now to Prepare for These Changes?

As these NDIS changes approach, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, but there are proactive steps families can take to advocate for their child's ongoing support. Firstly, if your child is already an NDIS Participant before January 1, 2028, with developmental delay and/or autism with low-to-moderate support needs, understand that your existing plan will continue to be assessed under the previous eligibility criteria; you will not automatically lose your plan. For all families, it is crucial to ensure your child has up-to-date and comprehensive diagnostic assessments and reports detailing their functional capacity and support needs. These documents will be vital for any future eligibility assessments, whether for the NDIS or Thriving Kids. Stay informed about the rollout of Thriving Kids by monitoring official government announcements and reports, such as the "No Child Left Behind" parliamentary report and its recommendations. Engage with advocacy organisations, as they provide current information and collective voice for families' concerns. Finally, connecting with an NDIS Advocate can help you understand your specific situation, navigate the complexities of the scheme, and ensure your child's needs are clearly communicated and met, regardless of the pathway.

Key Takeaways

• From January 1, 2028, children under 8 will follow two pathways: NDIS for high support needs and 'Thriving Kids' for low-to-moderate needs.
• Children with existing NDIS plans before 2028 will remain under previous eligibility criteria.
• 'Thriving Kids' is a new $4 billion program providing community-based, foundational supports, shifting away from individualised NDIS funding for some.
• Families are concerned about losing trusted providers, potential underestimation of needs, and the readiness of 'Thriving Kids' infrastructure.
• Proactively obtain comprehensive assessments, stay informed via official channels, and consider engaging with NDIS Advocates to prepare for these changes.