What is the Thriving Kids Program? a Clear Guide for Families

The Australian Government’s Thriving Kids program is a new national support system for children under 8 experiencing autism and/or developmental delay. These children may have a low-to-moderate support needs.

It aims to identify developmental concerns earlier and connect children and families with information, advice, and evidence-based support where children live, learn and play. Thriving Kids will operate alongside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), rather than replace it.

Thriving Kids is the first phase of Australia’s foundational supports system. Foundational supports sit outside individual NDIS plans and aim to make developmental help easier to access through mainstream and community settings.

The Australian, state and territory governments have agreed to invest $4 billion over five years in the program. The national model will include developmental information and advice, early identification, service navigation, parenting support and targeted assistance from allied health professionals where needed.

Thriving Kids will help children under 8 years of age who have low to moderate support needs and who have developmental delays and/or autism.

The government has stated that children with permanent and significant disabilities, including children with developmental delay or autism who have high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS under its usual arrangements.

A diagnosis alone will not necessarily determine which system supports a child. Decisions are expected to consider the child’s functional needs and circumstances. Further details about assessment, referral and access pathways will be released as services are finalised.

Thriving Kids is expected to help families understand child development, identify possible developmental differences earlier, find suitable services, and use practical strategies that support learning through everyday activities. Where a child needs more targeted help, support may also involve allied health professionals. This could include assistance with communication, movement, behaviour, participation or other areas of development.

Many services will be delivered in familiar settings such as early childhood education and care services, health services, homes and community spaces. This approach recognises that children often learn best when useful strategies become part of their daily routines.

Thriving Kids will form part of a broader support system operating alongside the NDIS. However, the government has agreed in principle to change NDIS access arrangements from 1 January 2028 for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low-to-moderate-support needs.

Children enrolled in the NDIS before that date will be subject to reassessment under the eligibility criteria in place on 31 December 2027. The proposed access changes will require amendments to the NDIS Act.

Thriving Kids services will begin rolling out from 1 October 2026 and are expected to reach full scale by 1 January 2028. Governments are still finalising service design and delivery, so detailed information about local programs, referrals and access will become available closer to commencement.

Families do not need to wait for Thriving Kids if they have concerns. A GP, child and family health nurse, early childhood educator or allied health professional can help them decide what to do next.

You do not need to wait for the Thriving Kids program to roll out before seeking advice about your child’s development. The Infants’ Home supports children and families through inclusive early childhood education, family services and allied health therapy. You can book a tour, enquire about our therapy appointments and discuss your concerns, and learn more about the support available to help identify suitable next steps for your child and family.

Does my child need an autism diagnosis to access Thriving Kids?

Support will reflect children’s needs and circumstances, rather than rely only on a diagnostic label.

Will children with higher support needs lose access to the NDIS?

No. Children with permanent and significant disabilities will continue to access the NDIS if they meet eligibility requirements.

What should I do if I am concerned about my child now?

Speak with a GP, child and family health nurse, educator or allied health professional. Early advice can clarify whether your child needs monitoring, an assessment, or practical support.