Transitioning from NDIS to Thriving Kids: A Step-by-Step Family Guide

TL;DR: The Australian Government is introducing 'Thriving Kids,' a new foundational support program designed for children aged 8 and under with low to moderate developmental delay and/or autism. This initiative, rolling out from October 2026, aims to provide early, community-based support outside the NDIS, allowing the NDIS to remain focused on individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. Families should proactively gather evidence of their child's functional needs and explore both NDIS and community-based pathways to prepare for these significant reforms.

The landscape of disability support for children in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation. With the introduction of 'Thriving Kids,' a foundational support program, many families with children aged 8 and under currently supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will soon navigate a new pathway. This guide is designed to empower Australian families by outlining the changes, explaining who will be affected, and providing practical steps to ensure a smooth transition for your child. Understanding these reforms now is crucial for effective planning and advocacy. See our complete ndis-reforms-and-state-based-support-for-children-with-disabilities guide

What is the 'Thriving Kids' Program, and Who is it For?

The 'Thriving Kids' program is a new foundational support initiative, co-funded by the Australian, State, and Territory governments, designed to provide crucial early intervention and support for children aged 8 and under. This program is specifically tailored for children experiencing developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, offering them access to health, education, and community-based services without the need for an individual NDIS plan. The aim is to ensure earlier, simpler access to appropriate supports in familiar community settings, freeing the NDIS to focus on its original mandate: supporting individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. The rollout of 'Thriving Kids' services will commence no later than 1 October 2026, with the program expected to be fully scaled nationally by 1 January 2028. Children with permanent and significant disability, including those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs, will continue to be eligible for NDIS supports, subject to the scheme's usual NDIS access requirements.

How Will the Transition from NDIS to Thriving Kids Work?

The transition from NDIS to 'Thriving Kids' for eligible children will be a phased process, requiring amendments to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and careful preparation from families. From 1 October 2026, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs will begin to access support through 'Thriving Kids' foundational programs instead of individual NDIS Plans. This means that during NDIS plan reviews, a child's eligibility for continued NDIS support will be reassessed against updated criteria that differentiate between low-to-moderate and significant needs. Families will need to demonstrate evidence of a permanent and significant disability with substantial functional impact for their child to remain an NDIS Participant. The government aims for a full rollout of these new eligibility settings by 1 January 2028, ensuring national services are in place ahead of the changes to NDIS access.

What Practical Steps Can Families Take to Prepare for This Change?

Preparing for the transition involves proactive information gathering and strategic planning to ensure your child’s support needs continue to be met. Families should begin by thoroughly documenting their child's current functional abilities and support requirements, while simultaneously exploring both NDIS and emerging 'Thriving Kids' pathways. Engaging with current providers and understanding the new landscape will be crucial.

Auditing Your Child's Current NDIS Plan and Needs

Families should start by consolidating all relevant documentation related to their child's current NDIS plan and developmental journey. This includes collecting diagnostic reports, functional assessments, and any recent progress reports from therapists. It is vital to ask current therapists for plain-English progress measures that highlight your child's functional impact in daily life, such as their ability to communicate, learn, participate in social activities, maintain safety, and achieve independence. Documenting your child's weekly routines and the specific support required for participation in these activities will provide a clear picture of their current functional needs. This comprehensive audit will serve as critical evidence during future NDIS plan reviews or when engaging with 'Thriving Kids' services.

Mapping Future Support Pathways

With the upcoming changes, it's essential for families to consider two potential pathways for their child's future support: the NDIS pathway and the 'Thriving Kids'/community pathway. For the NDIS pathway, if your child's needs are substantial, ongoing, and result in a permanent and significant functional impact, you will need strong evidence to demonstrate this for continued eligibility. For the 'Thriving Kids' or community pathway, begin to identify available supports in your local area, such as school-based adjustments, parent coaching programs, community social groups, or short courses tailored for children with similar needs. Discuss with your child's current support providers how their goals align with functional participation and explore how their services might adapt to a community-based model or provide strategies for accessing foundational supports. Proactively mapping these options will empower families to make informed decisions and ensure continuity of support.

How Can Families Advocate for Their Child's Ongoing Support Needs?

Advocating effectively for your child during this transition means focusing on clear, evidence-based communication and understanding the new criteria for support. When engaging with the NDIA for plan reviews, or with 'Thriving Kids' services, always provide recent assessments, detailed information about your child's weekly routines, and evidence demonstrating any risks without appropriate support. Emphasize how your child's disability impacts their functional capacity across various life domains, rather than solely relying on a diagnosis. If your child's needs are complex or high, prepare to articulate how these needs are permanent and significant, requiring the individualized funding of the NDIS. Establishing pre-agreed escalation criteria with any new support provider, which would trigger reassessment if your child’s functional challenges increase significantly (e.g., increased school distress or regression), is also a proactive advocacy strategy. Seeking guidance from NDIS advocates or support coordinators can also provide invaluable assistance in navigating these reforms.

Key Takeaways

• Understand that 'Thriving Kids' targets children 8 and under with low to moderate developmental delay/autism, providing community-based support outside the NDIS.
• Children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to be eligible for NDIS support.
• Begin auditing your child's current NDIS plan and gathering all diagnostic, functional, and progress reports now.
• Document your child's functional needs, daily routines, and the specific impact of their disability on participation.
• Map out potential future support pathways, considering both continued NDIS eligibility and local 'Thriving Kids'/community options.
• Prepare to advocate by providing clear, evidence-based information focusing on your child's functional impact during NDIS reviews and when engaging with new services.