Introducing the Thriving Kids Program: New Support for Young Children with Autism

TL;DR: The Thriving Kids Program is a new national support system for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs. Starting from October 2026, it aims to provide early, evidence-based supports outside the NDIS, with significant NDIS access changes for this group commencing January 2028.

The landscape of disability support for young children in Australia is evolving with the introduction of the Thriving Kids Program. This significant reform, stemming from the Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), is designed to provide earlier, more accessible support for young children with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs. For families navigating the complexities of their child's development and seeking the best possible start, understanding this new program and its interaction with the NDIS is crucial. These changes represent a shift in how early intervention will be delivered, aiming to ensure children receive timely, evidence-based supports in their local communities. See our complete major-ndis-scheme-changes-and-eligibility-reforms guide to understand the broader context of these reforms.

What is the Thriving Kids Program and who will it support?

The Thriving Kids Program is a foundational support system being established nationally to assist children aged 8 and under who have a developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, along with their families, carers, and kin. This initiative is built on the principle that early identification and intervention are vital for a child's development, providing timely, evidence-based supports that can make a significant impact on their life trajectory. The program aims to give these children the best possible start by integrating supports into the places where they live, learn, and play, making services easier to access and more responsive to local needs. Governments have committed a substantial $4 billion over five years to implement this first phase of Foundational Supports, with a significant portion allocated directly to states for service delivery. This investment underscores a commitment to proactive, community-based support for young Australians.

How does Thriving Kids relate to current NDIS eligibility?

The Thriving Kids Program is specifically designed to work alongside the NDIS, not replace it entirely, by providing targeted support outside the scheme for a particular cohort of young children. Children aged 8 and under with a permanent and significant disability, or those with developmental delay and/or autism who have substantially reduced functional capacity (meaning high support needs), will continue to be eligible for the NDIS, subject to the scheme's standard access requirements. However, from January 1, 2028, NDIS access arrangements will change for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs. This means that new applicants in this category will be supported through the Thriving Kids Program rather than the NDIS. For children already enrolled in the NDIS prior to January 1, 2028, who fit the low to moderate support needs profile, their eligibility will be subject to reassessment under the criteria that existed before the changes.

When will the Thriving Kids Program be rolled out?

The rollout of state-based services under the Thriving Kids Program is scheduled to commence from October 1, 2026, with the program expected to be fully scaled nationally by January 1, 2028. This phased implementation ensures that the necessary national services and infrastructure are firmly in place before the associated changes to NDIS access arrangements take effect. The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments, is actively designing the comprehensive services that will be delivered nationwide. Throughout this design and implementation phase, there will be continued engagement with the community, people with disability, and the broader disability sector. Specific details regarding the types of services available and the process for accessing them will become clearer and more widely publicised closer to the program's official commencement dates.

What kind of supports will the Thriving Kids Program offer?

The Thriving Kids Program is committed to delivering a range of evidence-based supports tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of each child and their family. The core focus is on ensuring children with additional developmental needs receive quality, early intervention when it can have the greatest impact. This will include providing parents and families with access to trusted information and advice, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to support their child's development effectively. Crucially, the program will facilitate access to evidence-based child development supports delivered by qualified allied health professionals. These interventions will be carefully matched to the child's specific developmental journey, aiming to achieve positive long-term outcomes. The goal is to build capacity within families and communities, enabling children to thrive in their everyday environments.

What should families do now regarding Thriving Kids and NDIS?

For families of young children who may be impacted by the Thriving Kids Program, the most important step is to stay informed about these upcoming changes. If your child is currently receiving NDIS supports or you are considering applying for the NDIS, understand that current eligibility criteria remain in place until January 1, 2028. It is vital to continue accessing necessary supports and engaging with your existing NDIS plan if you have one. For families whose child may fall into the "low to moderate support needs" category, paying close attention to further announcements from the Australian Government and your state or territory government will be essential. This will include details about how to access Thriving Kids services once they become available. We encourage families to utilise existing diagnostic pathways, seek early professional advice, and participate in any community engagement or consultation opportunities that arise to help shape the program's specifics.

Key Takeaways

• The Thriving Kids Program is for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, aiming for earlier, community-based intervention.
• NDIS access for this specific cohort will change from January 1, 2028; children with high support needs will remain NDIS eligible.
• The program rolls out from October 1, 2026, and will offer evidence-based allied health and family supports.
• Families should stay informed about specific service details and continue existing NDIS plans or pursue current access pathways until changes take effect.