The NDIS Early Childhood Approach: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Families

TL;DR: The NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) currently provides vital support for children under 9 with developmental delays or disabilities. However, significant changes are coming from January 1, 2028, with children under 8 who have low-to-moderate support needs transitioning to a new program called Thriving Kids, while those with high support needs will remain with the NDIS.

The journey of navigating a developmental delay or disability with a young child can be incredibly challenging, and accessing the right support early on is critical. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has long offered the Early Childhood Approach (ECA) to help Australian families during these crucial years. However, the NDIS landscape for young children is undergoing significant reforms, bringing both new opportunities and considerable concerns for many. Understanding these changes is essential for parents seeking to secure the best future for their child. See our complete are-children-with-a-disability-still-eligible-for-the-ndis guide for a broader perspective on NDIS eligibility.

What is the NDIS Early Childhood Approach and Who Does it Help?

The NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA) is specifically designed to support children younger than nine years old who have developmental delays or disabilities, along with their families. Its primary goal is to provide timely, family-centred support to help these children develop, learn, and participate in everyday environments to their full potential. This approach recognises that early intervention during a child's foundational years can significantly improve long-term outcomes, focusing on building skills, independence, and confidence within natural settings like home, childcare, or playgroups. Through the ECA, families can access 'Early Connections' and work with 'Early Childhood Partners' – local organisations funded by the NDIS with teams of experienced professionals. These partners guide families, connecting them to appropriate services even if the child may not ultimately be eligible for long-term NDIS funding, ensuring vital foundational supports are accessible when needed most.

How is the NDIS Early Childhood Approach Changing for Children Under 8?

Significant reforms are set to shift access criteria for children under eight, especially those identified with low-to-moderate support needs, from January 1, 2028. Under the new model, the current Early Childhood Approach pathway will split, redirecting many children to a new national program called 'Thriving Kids'. This $4 billion program, funded jointly by Commonwealth and state/territory governments and set to launch in October 2026, will become the primary support pathway for children aged eight and under who are deemed to have low-to-moderate support needs, including those with certain developmental delays or autism. Critically, children with high support needs, encompassing those with permanent and significant disabilities, will continue to access the NDIS as normal. The defining factor for continued NDIS access will be whether a child has "substantially reduced functional capacity," a key term we will explore further. It is important to note that children already enrolled in the NDIS before January 1, 2028, with developmental delays and/or autism with low-to-moderate support needs, will continue to be assessed under the eligibility criteria that were in place before these changes, meaning their existing plans will not automatically be lost.

What Distinguishes High from Low-to-Moderate Support Needs Under the New Model?

The distinction between high and low-to-moderate support needs primarily hinges on the child's "substantially reduced functional capacity" across various daily activities, a criterion central to NDIS eligibility. This distinction determines whether a child will continue to be supported through the NDIS or be directed to the new Thriving Kids program.

Indicators for NDIS Eligibility (Likely to Remain on NDIS)

Your child is likely to remain NDIS-eligible if they have high support needs, typically characterised by a permanent and significant disability that results in a substantially reduced functional capacity across multiple domains. This includes conditions such as global developmental delay, severe intellectual disability, specific genetic conditions, significant physical disabilities affecting mobility, or complex communication disorders requiring extensive, ongoing individualised support. Eligibility usually requires evidence of significant and permanent impairment that substantially impacts their ability to perform everyday activities compared to children of the same age without a disability.

Indicators for Thriving Kids Program (Likely Redirected)

Conversely, your child may be redirected to the Thriving Kids program if they are assessed as having low-to-moderate support needs. This often applies to children with developmental delays or Level 1 autism who require early intervention but whose functional capacity is not deemed "substantially reduced" to the extent required for ongoing NDIS funding. A key concern for families and advocacy groups is that terms like "mild" and "moderate" are policy constructions, not clinical diagnoses, which may not accurately reflect the daily challenges and significant impact on a child's life. Many children with "mild" autism, for example, experience considerable sensory overwhelm, social difficulties, and anxiety, which could be underestimated by a brief assessment, potentially leaving them with inadequate support under the new framework.

What Are Families' Major Concerns About the Thriving Kids Program?

Families are expressing significant anxiety regarding continuity of care, the perceived adequacy of support, and the readiness of the new Thriving Kids program, echoing concerns raised in the "No Child Left Behind" parliamentary report. These worries stem from a number of critical areas that directly impact their child's development and well-being.

Loss of Established Provider Relationships

A primary fear is the potential loss of established, trusting relationships with Allied Health Professionals like speech pathologists or occupational therapists, which often take years to build. Under Thriving Kids, therapy is expected to be delivered through community hubs rather than through individually chosen providers. Parents worry that this model may disrupt the vital continuity of care and the specific rapport essential for their child's progress, impacting the effectiveness of interventions.

Underestimation of "Mild" or "Moderate" Needs

Families are deeply concerned that the policy-driven labels of "mild" or "moderate" do not adequately capture the complex daily realities of their child's disability, such as Level 1 autism. These terms can lead to an underestimation of needs during assessments, potentially resulting in insufficient support. Parents know the invisible struggles – meltdowns, sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and the constant advocacy required – which may not be apparent in a brief assessment but significantly impact a child's and family's life.

Readiness and Accessibility of Community Services

Another major concern is whether the community services required for Thriving Kids will be fully established and accessible by its projected launch in October 2026. There is considerable anxiety, particularly in regional and remote areas, that the necessary infrastructure and specialist therapists simply won't exist. This lack of readiness could leave children without crucial support, exacerbating existing inequities and placing additional burdens on families in areas already underserved by allied health professionals.

Lack of Guarantees and Co-Design

Families want a firm, legislated guarantee that no child will receive less support under Thriving Kids than they would have under the NDIS. The "No Child Left Behind" report explicitly called for this, but it has not yet been legislated. Furthermore, advocacy groups like Yellow Ladybugs have highlighted a significant lack of autistic input and co-design in the program's development, raising concerns that the approach may not be genuinely neuro-affirming or sufficiently flexible to meet diverse needs.

What Should Parents Do Now to Safeguard Their Child's Supports?

Parents should proactively seek assessment, apply for the NDIS if eligible, gather comprehensive documentation, and stay informed about the unfolding changes to best safeguard their child's supports. Taking these steps now can provide greater certainty and secure access to necessary early intervention.

If Your Child is NOT Yet on the NDIS

If you have developmental concerns about your child and they are under eight, it is crucial to seek a diagnosis or comprehensive assessment as soon as possible. If your child meets the NDIS access criteria for a permanent and significant disability or developmental delay that results in substantially reduced functional capacity, consider applying for NDIS access before January 1, 2028. Gather all relevant medical reports, therapy assessments, and evidence of functional impact, as thorough documentation will be vital for any application or future review. Engaging with an NDIS advocate or an Early Childhood Partner now can provide invaluable guidance through this process.

If Your Child is ALREADY on the NDIS

For children already receiving NDIS support before January 1, 2028, it’s important to remember that their existing plans will not automatically be removed. They will continue to be assessed under the eligibility criteria in place prior to the changes. Parents should actively engage with their Early Childhood Partner and focus on fully utilising their current NDIS plan to ensure their child receives all necessary supports. Maintain comprehensive records of all therapies, progress, and medical documentation, and continue to participate actively in plan reviews, advocating for your child's ongoing needs based on their current functional capacity and goals.

Key Takeaways

• From January 1, 2028, children under 8 with low-to-moderate support needs will transition to the new Thriving Kids program, while those with high needs remain with the NDIS.
• Parents of children not yet on the NDIS should seek comprehensive assessments and consider applying for NDIS access before January 1, 2028, if eligible.
• Families of children already on the NDIS before the cut-off date will not automatically lose their plans; continue to utilise and advocate during plan reviews.